2003 Elantra GLS - ticking sound at idle speed

I have an Elantra 2003 GLS with manual 5 speed. It now has about 91k miles
on it and there's a ticking sound coming from the engine which is noticeable
at idle speed. At higher RPMs the ticking goes away, but maybe it's just
drowned out. If it were an old V8 I'd say "valve lifters", but I don't know
if that's relevant here. Any thoughts about what the cause and cure are?
I'm in California and will be getting the timing belt done when I get a
little closer to 100k.

 

Without hearing the noise, anything I suggest here is obviously
speculation.

Your engine is equipeed with solid lifters which rarely wear enough to
require adjustment, even at 100k miles. The only time I've seen this
engine need a valve adjustment was after someone had replaced the
cylinder head and simply tossed the old shims into the new head.

More likely is that the chain connecting the two camshafts is worn and
its flapping is striking the guide, making the noise you hear. I've
most frequently seen this on engines which had deposits or sludge
indicating the oil wasn't changed as frequently as it should have
been. There have, however, been a few cases where the engine looked
clean inside.

Also note that this engine has a tendency to make a rattling/light
knocking noise when cold. This will typically go away as the engine
warms up.

 

I have an Elantra 2003 GLS with manual 5 speed. It now has about 91k

..
Thanks for the reply. If the camshaft chain needs replacing would there be
any advantage/cost saving to doing it the same time as the timing chain?

 

Oops - meant to say "timing belt" not timing chain.

 

Not enough to make it worth purposely scheduling the two repairs
together. At most, I'd say it'd subtract about 0.5 hours labor.

 

I have an Elantra 2003 GLS with manual 5 speed. It now has about 91k

..
Helpful as always - thanks!