VetteNoob

Im thinking I may have to replace my lifters since Ive had this continous tapping sound for a while now. Although Im not 100% sure it is the lifters, Im curious if I do end up replacing them, should I do the cam while Im 1/2 way there or would I be wasting money.

If so, any recommendations for a non-roller, basically stock, itron head L98?

GlockLT4

It's a lot more work to pull the cam than it is to just change a lifter! I'm doing a cam change right now. I've been taking a lot of time and pictures of what i'm doing, and it's taken about 15 hours to take everything off and clean. Waiting for my cam to get here. Going to take a long while putting this all back together too.

65Z01

If you would be installing a stock in a nearly stock motor, first check the cam to see if there is excessive wear on any lobes.

Pull the valve covers and, with a dial indicator, measure actual cam lift on the push rod side of the rockers.

VetteNoob

Would I be better putting all this off long as possible if Im planning an engine project in the next 12 months?

The vette only sees about a mile a day driving now.

kman0066

I'd definitely say no on the cam then. However, you do need to find out if it is the lifters or not. I thought my lifters were ticking and I replaced them. Two weeks later I blew up my engine(literally). I think it was bearing that went out but there was not enough left of the engine to really determine it. This has made for an expensive engine build. So, DO THE LIFTERS. If that's not it, better hurry up on that engine build. The lifters are not the only thing that can tick in there and on hyd. roller lifters it is usually not it.

SBNova

I noticed you said "non-roller" when you asked for cam help. This is why I tell you dont change the lifters. Flat tappet (either hydraulic or solid) cams "mate" to their respective lifters, and cannot be changed. Only roller cams can have lifters replaced, or have lifters used on different cams. Flat tappets cannot do this. I surely dont recommend this. They wont last, and you will be changing more than a cam and lifters when they wear as they will be putting alot of metal in your oil. Changed the cam and lifters together. Better yet, find the source of your noise and change the right parts. It sounds like your guessing at calling the lifter bad.

kman0066

:iagree:

oops, I missed that part, sorry :iagree:

GlockLT4

Oops.. me too. Yeah, don't swap lifters on flat tappet!

VetteNoob

Is there a sure fire way to tell if it is the lifters? Does lifter noise change with engine rpm? Can injectors tick so loud I can hear it clearly inside the car?

The injectors are new Holley's. How do I tell the difference between injector ticking and a bad lifter or piston slap? I've had people tell me it was any one of those. I ruled the injectors out since they were new, but I'm not opposed to checking them if I need to.

Thanks for the suggestions.

65Z01

Press on the injector wiring harness at idle and see if the tic corresponds with the injector pulse.

grapeknutz

:iagree:

danno85

Hey VetteNoob,

How goes it? If it's just a ticking lifter and you're planning an engine in the next 12-18 months I'd do nothing unless a cam lobe is going flat, in which case
you'll need to do both. If it's a cam lobe, you'll know pretty soon...
If you want to swing by sometime I'll be glad to listen to it for you.

What kind of engine are you planning??

Dan

VetteNoob

Hey Dan. Going's good. Havent had a lot of time for the car lately, but Im getting back into the swing of things. Im thinking maybe a Jburnett VictorJr EFI conversion since Im not going huge cubes. Im thinking that combo and a decent cam should make a fun drive both on the streets and the strip. I think I will take you up on the offer since you're more experienced at this than I am. Anytime you have some time, let me know.

danno85

Sent you an IM.

Dan

ZD1

I can't help but think that you need to check you rocker adjustments, although the injector is more likely to cause your tick because of the age.

VetteNoob

Well I think Ive isolated the general area the ticking sound is coming from. Unplugged the 2&4 injectors and the ticking was still there. So Im not sold it's the injectors.

Dan, I'll give you a call next weekend and see what you think.

AGENT 86

:seeya Did you check your rockers

VetteNoob

Nah, I'll check that next weekend.

SBNova

The easiest way to check for the source of noise is with a piece of hose. There are "auto stethascopes" available for cheap, but I always use a piece of 3/8 hose. Get one about four feet long, and if needed you can get a short length of 3/8 steel brake line for listening in high temperature areas. Stick one end in your ear (not too far!) and probe the other end where you think the noise is. You WILL hear the noise get louder as you get closer to its source. Want to check the valves/lifters? Stick the hose in the breather hole. This will rule out the injector/rocker debate at least. You can also use it for exhaust leaks, and I have been able to tell a rod knock by holding the hose down towards the base of the block. Listen through the dipstick hole and youll hear the bottom end pretty clearly too.