This noise is the famous engine tick noise. I am one of those that have thrown a few parts on it and it is still there. I got tired and decided to just drive it till it blows up then get a new motor. 6500 miles so far, so good. Yeah its annoying especially when you are at a drive thru but oh well. Make sure you at least check the oil pressure to make sure it is not an oil pump issue.

 

Bought it at a used lot - dropped it off thursday, they said will have an answer today or monday. Pretty frustrating, but at least they are taking responsibility instead of telling me 'too bad'.

 

Yep it's the tick, only when hot and at idle just rev it up a bit Nd it goes away. Verify your oil pressure and if it's good it's probably your sleeves moving up and down a few 1/16.

 

Heres a video of the tick... Its from the back side of the engine.

 

That one sounds a bit different than mine. A bit sharper or harder (not really quieter but it is hard to tell). I would for sure check on the oil at least. Honestly, I don't think the dealer will be able to do much as it is what it is. If it sounds like it is only coming from one specific area that could be different.

 

Here is my sound BTW. The mic on that camera really pics up everything, so everything sounds loud but you could hear the tick. Mine is louder from under.Boarding2011059.mp4 video by twovettes - Photobucket

 

Thats exactly where the noise is coming from on mine, i didn't crawl under the car to get the noise tho...

 

Yeah, it is common. Of the bunch I test drove while searching for one, most of them had at least some variation of the noise. The way I see it I will take care of the engine as best I can and if it goes, it goes. I have already put 6K on it this year with no issues. It is much quieter with the right oil though (M1 10W40 high mileage) and has been better after cleaning in out (multiple oil changes, Seafoam, Marvel Mystery Oil). I'm actually up almost 3 MPG since I bought it, which just tells me the oil and all made a nice change.

 

I have a 2003 disco with the same problem my shop say a cracked manifold .

 

yeah I do not think that's lifter or valve noise. it's hard to say. whats it sound like when you give it gas (more rpms)? your engine sure does look clean though. and I see it has the 8mm plugs so thats good (someone took care of it?). if it's exhaust related that will throw a code (and that is going to be a louder noise, and might get louder as you give it gas). X2 have the dealer check your oil pressure and check for any stored codes (i am sure they will do the codes by default). but they prob will not check the oil pressure unless you ask them too.