well pretty much when i start my 01 sporty with the dohc i hear a ticking and after a while it goes away after the motor heats up, when i speed up it ticks faster (engine not that warmed up) but it is also on average 30-40 degrees here in evansville IN so im not sure if its just the cold or not because i didnt own it last summer. any advice or tips would help.

thanks darion.

for a few seconds, when you first start it in the morning its normal.

since it continues as you say, usualy its an indication of low oil level usualy.. eventhow the oil light might not be on

or not enough oil presure...

It can also be due to oil filters without non-return valves fitted = most cheap filters). Oil drains back into the sump and it takes about 30 secs to fully re-pressurize the oil galleries and HLA's.

If it continues at low to middle revs, clearing at high revs it could also be the oil pump on its way out.

Welcome to the sportage? lol. Ya, they are all (above) spot on man. They tick if they're cold. They tick if the oil's dirty/old. They tick if your oil's too thin (like 5w20,5w0). They tick if the oil is 1 quart low or lower. They tick if the filter's are junk (fram). Try a Purolator, Pro-tec, wix, or... whatever these guys suggest and see if that improves. Also if it ticks after 45-60 seconds. Try shutting it off for a second and starting it back up. 50% of the time, my ticking will be instantly gone after I start it back up. I don't know why it would work but it does for me. lol

......... and not only for you!!!

To sum it up ticking it the language of the engine to tell you it needs your kind attention with the oil, when you can <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If it DOESENT tick in the morning or after a long period of been shut, I worrie that something is wrong...

well today i just went out and got some valvoline high millage its 10w-30 and a new filter gonna change oil and filter so lets see if that does the trick!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

LOL!!!! the panic mechanic is right.
however- there is a solution that kinda helps- use a quality oil additive. the sporty takes 4.7 litres of oil -so i put 4.5 litres and add a can of bg oil additive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnFmf2hDgjg

it really helps.

You may also be hearing what is known as "piston slap". It is a normal characteristic of the FE engine in cold climates and is harmless but disconcerting when you hear it. It goes away as the engine warms up. And no oil type or additive will get rid of it so don't even try.

Search these forums on what piston slap is and what causes it.