Mitsubishi Eclipse 3.0 V6 Engine tapping..?

Question

I have a 2000 Eclipse with a 3.0 V6 and it runs great but when it idles the engine will start to "tap tap tap tap tap" for a few seconds and stop completely and then after a few more seconds starts to slowly "tap tap tap tap tap" again but from faint to loud then back to nothing again... The process continues over and over. Sometimes it doesn't do it at all... like on a warmer day. The cold seems to be worst. I know it's probably lifters or valves tapping but why does it come and go? Is there some kind of maintenance I can perform that may fix the problem liked a clogged line or something... It is probably not a big deal as far as it damaging the engine or anything but it can be loud and it makes my car sound like a hoopty but it's not. If anybody has any suggestions I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Use OEM filters from Mitsubishi. We were told at tech classes that Fram filters lead to lash adjuster noise.

Don't use fram oil filters. The lash adjusters are similar to hydraulic lifters but are located on the rockers themselves. To bleed the air out of the lash adjusters you can hold the motor at 3,000 rpms for 3 minutes. This must be done with the motor at operating temperature and with the vehicle parked. There must not be a load put on the motor while doing this.

If the noise does not go away you will need to clean the lash adjusters in diesel fuel. Remove them and with them submerged in the diesel fuel push a stiff wire into the hole in the lash adjuster and pump the adjuster until no more dirt comes out. The adjuster must feel rock hard with no movement after removing the wire or it must be replaced. Just reinstall them in the motor with the diesel still in them. The motor will make noise for a few minutes until the diesel gets flushed out with the engine oil. There is no need to change the oil after this procedure.

Check or replace the PCV valve. Stock oil caps should not have a leaking problem. After market oil filler caps probably don't fit right.

Answer 2

Mitsubishi 3.0 V6

Answer 3

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RE:

Mitsubishi Eclipse 3.0 V6 Engine tapping..?

I have a 2000 Eclipse with a 3.0 V6 and it runs great but when it idles the engine will start to "tap tap tap tap tap" for a few seconds and stop completely and then after a few more seconds starts to slowly "tap tap tap tap tap" again but from faint to loud then back to nothing...

Answer 4

When was the last time you changed the oil and filter? Could be time to do that. I would recommend you go with 5w30 motor oil. The tapping could be your oil is thick and dirty or low.



ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Do you have an oil pressure gauge? Your oil pressure may be high due to a small leak in the head gasket allowing exhaust into the crankcase. You can do a compression test to find out.

Answer 5

Sounds like your lifters r maybe not getting sufficient oil from time to time. In colder months use a thinner oil like 5w-30 compared to 10w-30 for easier flow. Check your oil pump for any clogs and check to make sure your oil pan gasket is not leaking. Pressure could be lost if its leaking bad enough.

Answer 6

Meatwad is trapped in your crankcase and he's gots to get his skunky chocolate milk on. (I didn't really read it but it's probably a rod bearing)

Answer 7

The EGR solenoids on top pf the intake plenum may be noisy. They ALL are.