This is on a 97 protege 1.5L. At idle and running the engine has a noticealbe clackity tick that i have narrowed down to the front end of the engine/rocker cover. I am guessing it may be the timing chain for the DOHC's. Is this chain replaceable and need replacing after a while? I do have about 170K miles on it, but it just doesn't seem like that sound "should" be there. Do any other 1.5L owner notice this or are yours very "smooth" running?

thanks.

 

That engine has a belt, not a chain, and it should be changed every 60,000 miles. I'm will to bet you have a sticky valve that is making that noise. Try some top engine lubricant or a slightly heavier oil. Does the tick go away when the engine warms up??

 

Actually it has both. It has a traditional timing belt and then timing chain that goes around only the end of the two cams. I was wondering if this chain gets loose over time or has a guide that wears?

No, the sound does not go away when warm, and it stays with revving etc as well.

What exactly is top engine lubricant?