Bad lifter?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,551
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From: No link, No dupe
Bad lifter?
I've had my vette for about a year now. My engine is an 87' model corvette engine, with a roller cam. From day one, it has had a tapping sound coming from the top of the engine. That didn't deter me from buying it; the price was right. The sound can't be heard at idle, but any acceleration will bring the noise out. Even if going downhill.
The noise is worse when the engine is cold, and less noticeable when warm. At first I thought maybe I need to adjust the valves/rocker arms, but my experience has been that this condition will make noise at idle; again my noise is only when accelerating.
The engine runs good, has good oil pressure, and I've lived with the noise for a year now. Now that I will have the time and money, I will be performing an intake and carb swap; a great time to fix this problem.
So, what do you all think? Bad lifter? If this is the problem, I plan on buying a new set of roller lifters (Is the shortage over?). Do you think the cam is ok? Thanks for any advice or comments!
The noise is worse when the engine is cold, and less noticeable when warm. At first I thought maybe I need to adjust the valves/rocker arms, but my experience has been that this condition will make noise at idle; again my noise is only when accelerating.
The engine runs good, has good oil pressure, and I've lived with the noise for a year now. Now that I will have the time and money, I will be performing an intake and carb swap; a great time to fix this problem.
So, what do you all think? Bad lifter? If this is the problem, I plan on buying a new set of roller lifters (Is the shortage over?). Do you think the cam is ok? Thanks for any advice or comments!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Bad lifter? (shotgun_000)
I recomend checking very closely for exaust leaks near the headers or manifolds which ever you have. Exaust leaks pronounce themselves the most when putting engine under load like you describe. Also when the engine warms up the metals can expand and somewhat seal up leaks and quiet down the noise.
Have a helper sit in your car. Block all wheels and set the parking brake hard. Have the helper start the engine and hold thier foot hard down on the brake. Put the car in gear and give some gas to put engine under load(power brake). Meanwhile, you listen with a section of hose(as a makeshift stethiscope) like heater hose or garden hose with one end to your ear and the other moving around near places of potential exaust leaks where the manifolds meet the heads. If theres a leak youll hear it loudly in the end of the hose when you come close to it.
Have a helper sit in your car. Block all wheels and set the parking brake hard. Have the helper start the engine and hold thier foot hard down on the brake. Put the car in gear and give some gas to put engine under load(power brake). Meanwhile, you listen with a section of hose(as a makeshift stethiscope) like heater hose or garden hose with one end to your ear and the other moving around near places of potential exaust leaks where the manifolds meet the heads. If theres a leak youll hear it loudly in the end of the hose when you come close to it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Bad lifter? (Jvette73)
Yeah - John beat me to it - definitely check the exhaust.
Great tip - using a piece of hose for a stethescope !!
I always hated getting under the car with the wife applying brake power. :D :lol: :D
btw - shortage on lifters ??
:seeya
Great tip - using a piece of hose for a stethescope !!
I always hated getting under the car with the wife applying brake power. :D :lol: :D
btw - shortage on lifters ??
:seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Bad lifter? (Daves_rusty_75)
Let me tell you..the hose stethiscope works great. Really lets you zero in on all typs of engine noises. Hold the other end very close all over the engine and find exactly where those noises are comming from. Ive use it for exaust leaks and rocker arm noise many times. Can even pick off bad bearings in water pump and alternator and such. A 3' section of heater hose works great.
