I had the exact same sound...I only heard it once, it hasn't come back in a couple weeks

 

I feel your pain. While that particular expression doesn't bother me so much there are others that I just can't seem to let go even though I know better.

The use of 'anyways' is #1. I cringe every time I hear/read that one.

On a semi-related note, I've got a minor exhaust tick on the driver's side and haven't even tried to do anything about it because a casual glance makes me think I'd need a trained double-jointed contortionist miniature monkey to reach the bolts. Perhaps I should look into that more carefully.

 

Anyways...

 

You're a cruel man.

 

Mmkay you all get the idea :P

 

I have intermittent ticking as well. Mechanic heard it, but wasn't sure about cause. He doesn't think it's mechanical. I can typically only hear it when I stop at a light and the sound is reflecting off a parked car or a building. So I suspect it's coming out of the wheel well and echoing back at me. Don't think that helps with diagnosis.

For no particular reason I suspect exhaust manifold as well. Maybe I'll try to tighten mine up and see if it helps.

 

Bruce,

I heard something the other day that reminded me of this post. A friend of mine's father collects cars and has his son drive them to avoid them sitting. Picture this amazingly talented scientist/old chinese guy. He had a newer Saab that ticked, definitely was a lifter. One thing he did (I don't know how he decided this) was to add oil treatment that presumably thinned some oil in certain areas of the engine, which cleared a blockage to the lifters and allowed them to be lubricated. Said for me to hit my truck with oil additive/cleaner/treatment to try and get at that lifter hole that feeds fluid to it so that it might clear a blockage. He did this and then changed the oil after a short time once he was sure the lifters were getting fluid, and no more tick... This guy is is like car rain man.

Hopefully if anyone has any ticking they might try this and get some good results. I certainly will if I start getting a tick.

EDIT: OP, sorry to hear you tried this and got nothing, but it looks like you think it's something else than a lifter. Hope you locate something.

 

I have the same issue and I have heard it as I am in a tunnel or under an overpass with my windows down. While driving it is really not heard. However, at a stoplight with another vehicle beside me, I hear it when I start off. I am taking my LR3 in today to get the lower control arms replaced (130,000) so it is time and the bushings are worn out. I will have my exhaust manifold screws torqued. I am 110% sure it a manifold issue as I bent the hell out of the exhaust climbing a few months back. I am controlling my destiny by taking her into the shop to be repaired so she does not wear down my new E Series Tires I just put on...

 

Bwahahahaha....well played, Ferg!

I was getting angry until I saw the 2nd false-cliche and realized you were making a joke.

 

Hey guys! I have these same exact noises and cannot figure it out! Did anyone figure out what it was? I have a 2005 LR3 w/ 183,000. Runs like a dream besides this noise driving me nuts! I cannot let this engine fail me before 250k!