One of the most critical components of any vehicle is its engine. Therefore, any strange noises from the engine are often a cause for concern. Among the common noises drivers experience is the engine ticking or knocking after an oil change.
This noise can be alarming and often leaves drivers wondering what could be wrong. Ignoring the ticking or knocking sound can cause severe engine damage, and that’s why it’s crucial to address the issue promptly.
In this article, we’ll explain what causes an engine ticking/knocking after an oil change and why resolving it as soon as possible is crucial.
Contents
Why is the Engine Making Weird Noise After an Oil Change
After an oil change, the engine can make various types of noise concerning the driver. These noises include engine ticking, louder engine sounds, and engine knocking. In the article below, we will explore why the engine makes weird noises after an oil change and how to address the issue.
Incompatible oil viscosity
Oil viscosity refers to the thickness and flow characteristics of the oil. It’s a crucial aspect of the engine’s lubrication system, and using oil with the wrong viscosity can lead to engine problems, including weird noises.
The overly thick oil will not flow smoothly through the engine’s components, increasing friction and heat. Using too little oil might cause the engine to wear out prematurely. Possible causes of using the wrong viscosity oil include using the wrong oil grade, adding too much oil, or mixing different oil types.
Wrong or clogged oil filter:
The oil filter eliminates impurities and particles from the oil before it reaches the engine. A clogged or wrong oil filter can lead to inadequate oil flow, causing engine noises. Using the wrong oil filter can cause oil leakage, pressure drops, and damage to the engine’s components. Possible causes of wrong or clogged oil filter include:
- Using the wrong filter size or type.
- Installing it incorrectly.
- Not changing the filter regularly.
Bad oil pump
The oil pump circulates oil throughout the engine’s components to provide adequate lubrication. Low oil pressure caused by a faulty oil pump might result in engine knocking noises. Symptoms of a bad oil pump include low oil pressure, engine overheating, or oil leakage. Possible causes of a bad oil pump include oil pump wear and tear, clogged oil passages, or faulty oil pump seals.
Loose oil drain plug
The oil drain plug seals the oil pan, keeping the oil inside the engine. A loose oil drain plug can cause the oil to leak out, leading to insufficient oil levels and causing engine noises. Risks of a loose oil drain plug include engine damage, decreased fuel efficiency, and safety hazards. Possible causes of a loose oil drain plug include improper installation, worn-out gaskets, or overtightening the plug.
How to Stop Weird Engine Noise After Oil Change
If you’ve been experiencing weird engine noise after an oil change, addressing the issue promptly is crucial to avoid potential engine damage. Here are some steps to follow to stop the engine noise after an oil change:
Use the recommended oil
Using the oil the manufacturer recommends is essential to ensure optimal engine performance and avoid weird noises. The owner’s manual usually indicates the correct oil type and grade for the engine. The oil’s viscosity and additives can also affect engine performance, so it’s essential to use the right oil. You may also get advice from a mechanic or a dealership to verify you’re using the proper oil for your car.
Change the oil filter
The oil filter eliminates impurities and particles from the oil and keeps them from circulating in the engine. If the oil filter is clogged or the wrong size or type, it can lead to weird noises and inadequate oil flow. It is critical to replace the oil filter regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You may also seek the advice of a professional to ensure that you are using a suitable oil filter for your car.
Repair/ Replace the faulty oil pump
The oil pump circulates oil throughout the engine components to ensure proper lubrication. If the oil pump is faulty or worn out, it can cause low oil pressure, leading to engine noise and damage. Diagnosing a bad oil pump requires a mechanic’s expertise, but common symptoms include low oil pressure, engine overheating, or oil leakage. It’s crucial to replace a bad oil pump to avoid engine damage promptly. You can select a replacement oil pump based on the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult a mechanic.
Replace the bad oil drain plug
The oil drain plug seals the oil pan, keeping the oil inside the engine. A loose or faulty oil drain plug can cause oil leakage, leading to weird engine noises. Diagnosing a lousy oil drain plug requires inspecting it for damage or wear. It’s important to promptly replace a bad oil drain plug to avoid engine damage or safety hazards. You can select a replacement oil drain plug based on the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult a mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can too much oil cause engine noise?
Yes. Overfilling the engine with oil can cause weird engine noises. The excess oil can cause the crankshaft to whip the oil into a froth, leading to air bubbles in the oil, low oil pressure, and noisy engine operation. It can also cause oil leaks or damage to engine components. Therefore, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct oil level is essential.
Can the wrong oil cause noise?
Yes. Using the wrong type or grade of oil can cause weird engine noises. Oil with incorrect viscosity or additives can cause insufficient lubrication or excessive wear on engine components, leading to noise. Using the oil the manufacturer recommends is crucial to avoid these issues.
Can an oil filter cause a rattling noise?
Yes. A rattling noise might be caused by a broken or loose oil filter. If the oil filter is not correctly placed or clogged, it might result in inadequate oil flow and engine noise. It’s essential to replace the oil filter regularly and ensure it’s installed correctly to prevent this issue.
Why do I hear a ticking sound while in idle?
A ticking sound while idling can indicate a problem with the engine’s valvetrain. It can be caused by low oil pressure, worn-out lifters, or valves out of adjustment. Diagnosing the issue promptly is essential to avoid engine damage or costly repairs.
Does engine oil change engine sound?
Yes. Changing the oil can affect engine sound significantly if the old oil is degraded or contaminated. A new oil change can help minimize engine noise and boost performance. However, if you hear weird noises after an oil change, it’s crucial to investigate the issue to avoid potential engine damage.
Also, Read:
- Maintenance Light Still On After an Oil Change?
- Why Is My Car Ac Not Working After an Oil Change?
- Why Your Car has Rough Idle after an Oil Change?
- Why Is My Car Sputtering After an Oil Change?
- Why Does the My Car Feel Sluggish After an Oil Change?
- No Oil on The Dipstick After the Oil Change? Here Is Why!
Conclusion
In conclusion, engine noise after an oil change can indicate several issues related to the engine’s lubrication system. Using the wrong type or grade of oil, a damaged or clogged oil filter, a bad oil pump, or a loose oil drain plug can cause weird engine noises such as ticking, knocking, or louder. To avoid these problems, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for the right kind of oil, oil filter, and oil change intervals is critical.
Frequent engine oil and lubrication system maintenance are critical for avoiding engine damage and achieving peak engine performance. A qualified mechanic can help diagnose and fix engine noise issues that are difficult to identify or fix.
If you hear any weird engine noises after an oil change, investigate the issue promptly to avoid potential engine damage. Regular oil changes and maintenance of the engine oil and lubrication system are vital in keeping your engine running smoothly and quietly.
