My 2006 V6 Sportwagon has made valve/tappet noise almost since new. It always happens when the engine is hot and idling or just above an idle. Around 1000 rpm it is loudest. I saw some older posts on another forum that said this was common with the Duratec V6 and nothing to worry about. Anyone else have this? The car has 24k miles now and if it's a problem I'd like to get it fixed while I have the warranty.

 

I have an '05 sportswagon that does that same thing.

 

you have been keeping up with the oil changes right??

and are you sure its just not the fuel injectors ticking??
cuz ive heard some pretty loud ones...

 

My wife's 04 Sportwagon has the same thing....53,000 miles and counting. All of the 3.0L I've heard sound similar.

If you're worried that yours is louder than normal, go to a dealer take a car for a test driveto listen for comparison. (The test drive will heat up the motor.)

 

I had an Isuzu Trooper, with a GM-sourced V6, and some reasonable valve noise was expected...it was part of the not-so-great valvetrain design. A band-aid was to make sure that the engine oil was always fully topped off. So, regarding your 6, I'm gonna say "keep that oil topped off, and hope for the best".

David