So about 4 months ago I bought a 2001 ford focus with 63k miles. WHen I got it I did a full tune up and fluid change. I just did my 2nd oil change on the car since Ive had it and now when the car idles there is a slight ticking noise. As the rpms increase the noise goes away. Any ideas as to what it might be?

 

I am not trying to insult your intelligence but, did you check the oil level? If everything is good there... Is it primarily when the vehicle is cold? Also did you change to a different type of oil or oil filter?

 

it sound like you have a bent valve if it is a slight ticking noise coming from aroud the heads normally a valve. either that or spark knock depending on the sound and the way it runs, but mostlikly bent valve.

 

thats a possibility but imo getting way ahead of ourselves. It could be a million things just seems kinda fishy that is happened right after an oil change. Start with basic diag and work your way from there.

 

A new noise in a newly purchased car right after the oil has been changed HMMMMM?????
Could it be that the seller added a thickening agent (STP,Lucas,etc.) before the car was put up for sale? It's been done before!

You might try using a high detergent oil for a few miles to clean the problem out or you could add some STP to the oil to see if the engine quiets down.

 

This is the 2nd oil change I have done on the car. After the first one, everything was fine. Just to clarify...it is a slight ticking/knocking sound at idle, but once the rpms rise it goes away. Im no expert, but if something was bent wouldnt the noise get worse with higher rpms?

 

not really because that normally indicates excessive wear between the lifter body and its plunger, this noise could also be caused by low oil pressure, or too thin of an oil

 

but why would it go away as the engine revs?

 

I have the same problem on my mustang. its been doing it seance i got the car.

 

because the valves are under load when you hit the gas and the valves move faster so the ticking goes away. when a valve is under load like that it cant make the ticking noise.