Hey all, Luke here. So I’ve looked through all of the clicking/tapping/ticking threads here and couldn’t find what I was looking for. My 09 sport has this ticking that varies with RPM. I can tell it is coming from the head. The unique thing, however, is that when I place my hand over the cylinder 2 coil pack (I think - looking at engine from the front, it’s the left middle cylinder), I can feel a tapping on it. It is definitely coming from that cylinder. Any specific insight on what this might be? If so, is there a DIY fix for it? I’m mechanically inclined, but my “engine experience” is limited. Thanks in advance.

If if this has, indeed, been answered elsewhere I apologize, but I couldn’t find anything this specific.

Luke

 

Maybe your spark plug is loose. This seems to be a common issue with these cars. Remove the coil pack and check it. If this isn't the problem, swap the coil pack with a different one and see if the issue moves with it.

 

Okay thanks, I will try that tonight! Standby for results

 

Make sure the spark plug is snug. Don't loosen it it unless it has a lot of miles and you want to change it. Tighten to spec or until secure, do NOT try to get it as tight as you can ... that causes problems on aluminum heads.

Swapping the coil pack around is a good idea. If that doesn't move the tapping, then the tapping is the valves. Mine make noise; I can't feel physical tapping. I should probably adjust them all but no time ...

 

Good point, definitely do not overtighten anything on these aluminum engines. Spark plug torque should be 20 ft lbs and the coil bolts should be 7 ft lbs (often listed as 84 in lbs).