Yet another noisy engine
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 156
From: Richmond Texas
Yet another noisy engine
My engine ran great last week. After a fairly long drive, maybe 15 to 20 miles it started making noises and now runs like a turd. I have a clicking noise, hopefully an exhaust leak, a clanging noise (sounds like a cow bell), and it runs like crud. When i rev it up is sounds like an old Harley. When I get on it while driving it sounds awful. Here a some videos.
Clicking
Clanging
Revving
Clicking
Clanging
Revving
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I don't know, dude. I think your engine is hurt.
I'm sure others much more skilled at diagnosis can offer a more informed thought, but since I'm first on here, I'll throw out my guess that there is a rod issue going on. Perhaps in concert with, and caused by, a wiped cam lobe that introduced a bunch of metal into the oil.
Not sure if it's the chicken or the egg, but I'm going to toss out the idea that you wiped a lobe (or two), and that tossed one or two lifters WAY out of whack, and that's the lifter tick (which you think sounds like an exhaust leak). The loose metal is wrecking all your engine bearings, and the first one to start going happens to be a rod bearing, which is clanking against the crank when you give it gas.
My advise: Don't run it anymore. There is a great deal of bad that can happen and ZERO good.
You can start a TRUE diagnosis by draining the oil and taking the oil filter to someone who knows what they're looking at. I suspect they'll find metal.
Pull the oil pan and pull the valve covers. You'll probably find a REALLY loose rocker and bearing material in the valleys of the heads.
Then start warming up to the idea of an engine pull. Because I think that's the direction you're headed.
Not the end of the world...I did it. Just part of the journey.
I'm sure others much more skilled at diagnosis can offer a more informed thought, but since I'm first on here, I'll throw out my guess that there is a rod issue going on. Perhaps in concert with, and caused by, a wiped cam lobe that introduced a bunch of metal into the oil.
Not sure if it's the chicken or the egg, but I'm going to toss out the idea that you wiped a lobe (or two), and that tossed one or two lifters WAY out of whack, and that's the lifter tick (which you think sounds like an exhaust leak). The loose metal is wrecking all your engine bearings, and the first one to start going happens to be a rod bearing, which is clanking against the crank when you give it gas.
My advise: Don't run it anymore. There is a great deal of bad that can happen and ZERO good.
You can start a TRUE diagnosis by draining the oil and taking the oil filter to someone who knows what they're looking at. I suspect they'll find metal.
Pull the oil pan and pull the valve covers. You'll probably find a REALLY loose rocker and bearing material in the valleys of the heads.
Then start warming up to the idea of an engine pull. Because I think that's the direction you're headed.
Not the end of the world...I did it. Just part of the journey.
Last edited by keithinspace; May 9, 2016 at 08:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 156
From: Richmond Texas
I don't know, dude. I think your engine is hurt.
I'm sure others much more skilled at diagnosis can offer a more informed thought, but since I'm first on here, I'll throw out my guess that there is a rod issue going on. Perhaps in concert with, and caused by, a wiped cam lobe that introduced a bunch of metal into the oil.
Not sure if it's the chicken or the egg, but I'm going to toss out the idea that you wiped a lobe (or two), and that tossed one or two lifters WAY out of whack, and that's the lifter tick (which you think sounds like an exhaust leak). The loose metal is wrecking all your engine bearings, and the first one to start going happens to be a rod bearing, which is clanking against the crank when you give it gas.
My advise: Don't run it anymore. There is a great deal of bad that can happen and ZERO good.
You can start a TRUE diagnosis by draining the oil and taking the oil filter to someone who knows what they're looking at. I suspect they'll find metal.
Pull the oil pan and pull the valve covers. You'll probably find a REALLY loose rocker and bearing material in the valleys of the heads.
Then start warming up to the idea of an engine pull. Because I think that's the direction you're headed.
Not the end of the world...I did it. Just part of the journey.
I'm sure others much more skilled at diagnosis can offer a more informed thought, but since I'm first on here, I'll throw out my guess that there is a rod issue going on. Perhaps in concert with, and caused by, a wiped cam lobe that introduced a bunch of metal into the oil.
Not sure if it's the chicken or the egg, but I'm going to toss out the idea that you wiped a lobe (or two), and that tossed one or two lifters WAY out of whack, and that's the lifter tick (which you think sounds like an exhaust leak). The loose metal is wrecking all your engine bearings, and the first one to start going happens to be a rod bearing, which is clanking against the crank when you give it gas.
My advise: Don't run it anymore. There is a great deal of bad that can happen and ZERO good.
You can start a TRUE diagnosis by draining the oil and taking the oil filter to someone who knows what they're looking at. I suspect they'll find metal.
Pull the oil pan and pull the valve covers. You'll probably find a REALLY loose rocker and bearing material in the valleys of the heads.
Then start warming up to the idea of an engine pull. Because I think that's the direction you're headed.
Not the end of the world...I did it. Just part of the journey.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
It may not be so. I'm just describing a possible scenario that would explain all the noises I hear. I would love for it to be, you know, a loose tribucator bolt. The galatruant being out of adjustment. Or the flux capacitor being a quart low.
When my engine went sideways on my 1970, the first words out of my wife's mouth was basically "Well THAT wasn't a good buy...you're going to sell it, right? It can't POSSIBLY be worth a new engine..." She just didn't get the "old car" thing.
I took my time and scraped together whatever money I could. Over the course of 18 months, I had an AMAZING engine built. Enjoy it every chance I get.
And yes, my marriage survived an engine rebuild.
Perhaps someone else will have another opinion or direction to head. I'm dealing with something similar on my 'beater' car where the money I'm putting into it is starting to vastly outweigh the value of the car. But I'm in up to my neck and just another few hundred will get me over the hump. Of course, the ENTIRE dollar amount I have into that car is FAAAR less than what I have into my engine, so it's not all that bad. Wife's still going to be pissed, though. Need to break the news to her tomorrow.
Wish you the best of luck, friend. There WILL be a good solution. I promise.
When my engine went sideways on my 1970, the first words out of my wife's mouth was basically "Well THAT wasn't a good buy...you're going to sell it, right? It can't POSSIBLY be worth a new engine..." She just didn't get the "old car" thing.
I took my time and scraped together whatever money I could. Over the course of 18 months, I had an AMAZING engine built. Enjoy it every chance I get.
And yes, my marriage survived an engine rebuild.
Perhaps someone else will have another opinion or direction to head. I'm dealing with something similar on my 'beater' car where the money I'm putting into it is starting to vastly outweigh the value of the car. But I'm in up to my neck and just another few hundred will get me over the hump. Of course, the ENTIRE dollar amount I have into that car is FAAAR less than what I have into my engine, so it's not all that bad. Wife's still going to be pissed, though. Need to break the news to her tomorrow.
Wish you the best of luck, friend. There WILL be a good solution. I promise.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
I'm afraid I have to agree. That motor is hurtin'. I would start by pulling the pan to look for bits of broken motor, and I wouldn't be running it any more. Not going to get any cheaper.
And if your wife says its her or the car, well you know what I would choose.
And if your wife says its her or the car, well you know what I would choose.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Pull the valve covers first. Could be a broken rocker arm or I have seen the nuts loosen and give you valve train noise.
Oh after listening to the second one it sounds worse. I would still pull the rocker covers and check that first. Might be yanking that hulk out.
Oh after listening to the second one it sounds worse. I would still pull the rocker covers and check that first. Might be yanking that hulk out.
Last edited by Gordonm; May 9, 2016 at 09:29 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 492
From: Salmon Arm, BC
Ya....that second video sounds like a pretty good lower end knock. Pull your plugs at first to give you an Idea of what cylinder is hurtin, and as said above, pull the valve covers and oil pan to look for signs of damage
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 156
From: Richmond Texas
The second sound doesn't happen all of the time. The clicking does. I'm having someone come check it out this week. I'm now debating pushing up the idea of an LS swap. I was thinking about that down the road but I might just park it and start saving for the LS swap. Depends on how bad it is.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 578
Likes: 107
From: colo
I have had my car longer than the wife, so she doesn't even go there.https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s/biggrin5.gif
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 743
Likes: 71
From: Jarrettsville Maryland
I'm not sure the time and $$ involved in an LS swap will make your wife super happy lol. The thought has crossed my mind, too, but there are a lot of details that add up in doing that swap.
There are a couple of different options, depending on time and budget: servicing the engine that's in it. A full rebuild at my mechanic is $3500 + parts and possibly machine work. A crate engine may not be a bad choice. If it was a small block, a $1500 crate and swapping parts over would get you back on the road. Big blocks are generally more expensive, though. You could also find an engine on Craigslist, etc. Replacing the engine yourself would save a lot of $$ (keeping the wife happy) and be a learning experience for working on it in the future (and saving more money).
Of course, that's all worst-case scenario. Check out what others have mentioned in the thread so car, and see what the situation looks like.
There are a couple of different options, depending on time and budget: servicing the engine that's in it. A full rebuild at my mechanic is $3500 + parts and possibly machine work. A crate engine may not be a bad choice. If it was a small block, a $1500 crate and swapping parts over would get you back on the road. Big blocks are generally more expensive, though. You could also find an engine on Craigslist, etc. Replacing the engine yourself would save a lot of $$ (keeping the wife happy) and be a learning experience for working on it in the future (and saving more money).
Of course, that's all worst-case scenario. Check out what others have mentioned in the thread so car, and see what the situation looks like.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
You could also hope that some of the noise is coming from excessively long bolts that hold the pulleys onto the waterpump......they make a terrible racket as they scrape the front of the waterpump.......or maybe the fuel pump arm or pushrod is loose.
Last edited by doorgunner; May 9, 2016 at 11:35 PM.
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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That 3rd one sounds bad. What's oil pressure look like? Time to pull filter and cut it open and see what's in it. All the tapping can come from low pressure also.
JIM
JIM
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
#1 Seek professional help. If that’s not available, start with a compression check on all cylinders. If compression is good, I would remove the belts, fan, and plugs. Then, using a socket on the harmonic balancer bolt and a long breaker bar, I would rotate the engine and “feel” its rotation and listen for any clanking or scraping noises. Pull the valve covers, inspect the rockers, springs, retainers, etc and repeat the rotation process while checking that the valves are opening and closing and there are no bent pushrods. Pull the filter and see what is inside, then pull the pan and do the same. Rotate again and inspect the bottom end. Good Luck…
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
^^ all good tips
When youre revving it is that noise coming out the top of the carb?
Are the lower pulley bolts loose that will make a racket
Betting you have a lobe gone, bent pushrod something
Pull your valvecovers off, inspect (any breakage should be obvious along with draining oil and cutting filter open. You can use a paint strainer to catch any debris in your pan. If the leftover in good light has a heavy glitter look to it not so good
Pull the pushrods out and roll them on a flat piece of glass.
Were you romping on it when it started to make noise?
Removing the belts and runnning it for a min can tell you if any accessory is bad.
A rebuild of your BB unless you go nuts isnt crazy, you can regrind the crank, go through heads new bearings (dont forget cam bearings) etc
You wont like the power of the LS compared to your big block
Tell her a motor is cheaper than a car payment! Even new cars take money to keep going and break too.
vortecpro builds a heck of a good BB for the money good rep and stay together.
When youre revving it is that noise coming out the top of the carb?
Are the lower pulley bolts loose that will make a racket
Betting you have a lobe gone, bent pushrod something
Pull your valvecovers off, inspect (any breakage should be obvious along with draining oil and cutting filter open. You can use a paint strainer to catch any debris in your pan. If the leftover in good light has a heavy glitter look to it not so good
Pull the pushrods out and roll them on a flat piece of glass.
Were you romping on it when it started to make noise?
Removing the belts and runnning it for a min can tell you if any accessory is bad.
A rebuild of your BB unless you go nuts isnt crazy, you can regrind the crank, go through heads new bearings (dont forget cam bearings) etc
You wont like the power of the LS compared to your big block
Tell her a motor is cheaper than a car payment! Even new cars take money to keep going and break too.
vortecpro builds a heck of a good BB for the money good rep and stay together.
Last edited by cv67; May 10, 2016 at 03:27 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
All good suggestions above.....
Buy one of these if you want to pinpoint if it is the rings/piston or valvetrain....
Pull the headers loose and the carb off.....if it is valvetrain....you will hear it in the exhaust ports and/or intake manifold.
If it is rings....it will leak...but into the crankcase....
Hopefully it is valvetrain.....this is less costly...if the pistons are not damaged.
Pull valve cover as suggested and look for signs....
Jebby
Buy one of these if you want to pinpoint if it is the rings/piston or valvetrain....
Pull the headers loose and the carb off.....if it is valvetrain....you will hear it in the exhaust ports and/or intake manifold.
If it is rings....it will leak...but into the crankcase....
Hopefully it is valvetrain.....this is less costly...if the pistons are not damaged.
Pull valve cover as suggested and look for signs....
Jebby
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
Out side chance if it is an auto trans car that the flywheel is cracked .. And you lost a rocker arm ..Both fixable .
But it sorta sounds like the drums of defeat .. Engine may be past a fix and need major surgery.
But it sorta sounds like the drums of defeat .. Engine may be past a fix and need major surgery.
Go BIG or go home!