Hey guys, trying to figure out the tapping noise that seems to be coming from the air valve next to the valve cover. The tapping noise sounds similar to valve tappping when low on oil but it doesn't increase with rpm and it varies in speed. It will start off a valve tapping pace and then it will double up then triple its pace and then go away all together. It also seems to go away when I get on the gas and start moving but that could be that I can no longer hear it over the increased rpms and road noise. Another thing to note is that my oil light flickers on and off at an idle as well but also goes away when I get on the gas.

Any Ideas?

 

what year and how many miles? With the oil light coming on have you had the pressure checked? If it is an 03 is it in the vin # range for the oil pump? It could be a lifter not pumping up but with an oil light it seems as if you might have a bigger problem.

 

'04 with 78k

 

DooDer have you had the oil pressure checked since the oil light started coming on?

 

Those are your SAI valves, and a certain amount of noise can be common.
If you get one of the 1400 fault codes sometime, you'll want to replace it then.

 

I have not had the oil pressure checked, how does one do that? Disco Mike I've run codes and so has my tech who has a factory scanner and nothing comes up for anything. These SAI valves look pretty easy to replace, that true?

 

Change the filter to the SAI before you do anything else.
Also look for a loose nut that holds the SAI pipe in place, it is common for the nut to come loose and make noise.

 

@DooDer realize this thread is from ages ago but did you ever solve the issue?

I’m having the same problem on my ‘04, 162k miles. Replaced oil pump, front seal, main pulley. Also been having issues with it starting - turns over strong just not igniting. Oil light comes on after heats up and will go away with rpm’s above 1300. High frequency ticking coming from idle air control valve that changes in frequency and comes/goes while running…