My car engine makes noises every once in a while...most noticeable at a stop. i'm not really sure how to describe the noise but it almost sounds like a wood instrument at a low tone.

my car has 134k if that makes any difference..and doubt if it ever had the valves maintenanced.

and does it really matter? is the engine going to die if i don't do maintenance on it?

thanks!

 

I wouldn't think it'd be your valves at all mate! I would be uber suprised ... i'll put it that way. The VQ does not need a valve adjust I don't think ... nor does it have a timing belt to worry about either.

need more info on this "noise"

 

a wood instrument??

noisy brakes?

 

if it needs seals.. just replace the motor.... it will be cheaper... trust me

 

try switching to a heavier oil. That will help some.
Could be the powers teerting pump or the ac idler. Those have both made noise for me.

 

I never did anything with my valves or timing chain and I sold it with 190k. Its still running strong. Perhaps a sound clip of the noise would help diagnose?

 

yeah i'll try and get a sound clip of it tomorrow

i'm running 10w30...not sure if the weight of the oil would make a difference.

 

Hmmm..i know my VQ along with my other VQ30 had noisy injectors. Now im talking loud, like i can hear it from behind the car over my apexi ws which is pretty loud.

 

you cant adjust valves on a dual overhead cam motor theres nothing to adjust so you can eliminate that possibliity a sound clip always helps but maybe its an exaust leak they cause ticks and slowly get louder over time

 

Which side is it coming from?, are u in the car when u hear it?, you said its most noticeable at a stop--> are you turning the wheel during the stop? if so I agree with JSMax-> you could below on power steer fluid, check 4 leaks.

 

Get a valve job when you feel frisky.