Motor making a ticking sound and oil pressure gauge not working

Does oil pressure gauge work? If yes, what does it read.

Check the oil level. Is it normal, high or low?

Grab the end if the dipstick and pinch it between a thumb and finger, then rub together. Does it feel viscous like oil or thin and watery. Smell the oil... does it smell like gas or coolant?

Check the coolant level is normal or low?

sounds like oil pump problem, is the oil at full level?

check oil level and check oil pressure with a gauge not the one in the dash. if oil pressure is low then you may have a oil pump problem, or a worn cam causing poor oil pressure which will cause a ticking noise. it could also be worn lifters causing the ticking.

Hi there:


A clicking or tapping noise that gets louder when you rev the engine is probably "tappet" or upper valvetrain noise caused by one of several things: low oil pressure, excessive valve lash, or worn or damaged parts.

First, check the engine dipstick to see if the oil level is low. If low, add oil to bring it back up to the full mark. Is the engine still noisy? Check your oil pressure. A low gauge reading (or oil warning light) would indicate a serious internal engine problem that is preventing normal oil pressure from reaching the upper valvetrain components. The cause might be a worn or damaged oil pump, a clogged oil pump pickup screen or a plugged up oil filter. Using too thick a viscosity of motor oil during cold weather can also slow down the flow of oil to the upper valvetrain, causing noise and wear.






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Sounds like oil pressure problems to me. Check to make sure your oil level is correct. If the oil level is OK get the engine checked by a professional.

The oil pressure gauge on my 2003 Avalanche reads "0" and activates low oil pressure warning. Oil level is OK and engine does not sound like one with with no oil pressure; AKA no knocks or ticking. The mileage is 50,000 on this vehicle any ideas as I with no gauge I am leary of driving it? Please advise!

Make sure the oil level is good, and have the oil pressure check by a garage or someone who can, by using a external gauge to see what the actual oil press is. Low oil pressure will give you the ticking, start there.

The ticking could be a spark plug wire shorted out to ground of which you can watch in the dark while the car is running and see if you see a plug wire jumping to ground which will look like a lightening bolt hitting the ground. It could also be a lifter making noise. Could be a exhaust leak. What is your oil pressure? Does your gauge tell you pounds of pressure or is it just a light?

If the gauge is reading low oil pressure - I would change it regardless if it was ticking or not.. I have never heard one tick..

The ticking could be a lifter (or something else) not getting enough oil..

Rate well ;o)

Sounds like your losing oil pressure.. Could be the oil pump.. Get it checked.. Not much you can do if your not a mechanic..