Years ago I met an old time mechanic whose job involved working the printing press at the old Toronto Telegram. He explained that after years of experience on this press he could hear when the machine was running well and when it was off. He described the press as talking. In fact, all good mechanics have developed this ability to talk to the machine. Sound crazy? Not at all. Example: Your vehicle is emitting blue smoke at stop lights and yet once underway runs clean. Let me interpret. The car just told you that the engine is burning oil in high vacuum conditions. What causes this condition, worn rings, valve guides and seals? Whether visual or auditory, the experienced tech has the acquired ability to understand the signs. Diagnosing modern cars may involve a lot of high tech test equipment, yet some of the solutions may just be as easy as having the ability to hear the grass grow. One of my techs Mark says it all when he says “Just call us Car-Whisperers.”

Dear Dave,
I have a 1975 Chevy Camaro. The engine when revving high makes a tickity noise, when it warms it still ticks a bit. I am wondering what this is.

Noises are hard to decipher without actually having access to the car. I'm going to assume this vehicle is equipped with a V8. Ticking noises are common on older GM V8's as they age and usually come from within the valve train. Again I'm assuming this is not a Copo Camaro with a full blown 427, but, rather a tamer version. As these cars were designed for street use they were equipped with hydraulic lifters. As the lifers wear they tend to require “pumping up” to run quiet. We refer to this condition as a “stuck lifter.” This explains why the noise eases as you run the engine. Other than opening the engine and replacing lifters, push rods, and camshaft, try to add a conditioner to the oil to free the offending part. Another solution might be found in heavier viscosity oil.