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Old Sep 16, 2007 | 10:24 PM
  #1  
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Default Engine noise

I own a 1996 Corvette with the optional LT4 (LT1 based) engine. It is a (manual) six-speed, and it has 77,000 miles on it. The only major repair I've had done was replacement of the crank seal to stop an oil leak. Recently, a rattling noise has been coming from the engine, mostly noticeable around 2000 rpm. It usually sounds like a quick double or triple rattle, half a second or so of no noise, and then another rattle. I can't hear it when the car idles, or at any rpm higher than about 3300 rpm. I use the recommended oil, and change the oil regularly. I have noticed that, under hard braking, the oil pressure gauge will drop to zero, and then come back up. My mechanic assures me that the sending units are bad, and that the oil pressure is not actually dropping to zero. Other than the new rattle, the car still accelerates, cruises, and returns the same mileage as it always did. What could the noise be?

Thanks, guys.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 12:22 AM
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When the pressure goes to zero does the oil warning light come on as well?
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 10:55 AM
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Mine had a rattle that took me a while to place. Thought it was engine related but turned out to be a bad cat. Got under it w/ a listening device and put it to each cat...and BINGO.

Just a thought.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by staugur
When the pressure goes to zero does the oil warning light come on as well?
The "check guages" light right above the pressure gauge blinks on when it goes to zero, but nothing lights up on the DIC.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by JEFNLSA
Mine had a rattle that took me a while to place. Thought it was engine related but turned out to be a bad cat. Got under it w/ a listening device and put it to each cat...and BINGO.

Just a thought.
I'll check again, but I am very sure that it sounds like it's coming from the engine.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Edison Trent
I'll check again, but I am very sure that it sounds like it's coming from the engine.
So did mine because it followed the engine rpm and everything but...

Well, it's worth a look anyway.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 04:38 AM
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Does anyone have any other ideas?
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 05:36 AM
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Just to be on the safe side, Check your water pump and pully, make sure it doesnt wobble.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 05:57 AM
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Use a long screwdriver for a listening device to help isolate the noise source. Put your ear right up against the handle while probing different parts of the engine. You would be surprised at how well this works. No way to know for sure on the oil pressure until you sub the sending unit for a mechanical gauge.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 09:01 AM
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Can you duplicate the noise with the car stopped and in neutral or does it have to be in motion and in gear when yoiu hear the noise?
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by wmupaprmkr
Can you duplicate the noise with the car stopped and in neutral or does it have to be in motion and in gear when yoiu hear the noise?
You can hear it when the car is in neutral, but only when the engine is above 2000 rpm.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 02:39 PM
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My guess would be a cat or exhaust shield rattle. Replace that darn Oil Pressure switch as well
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 07:55 AM
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you could also try using that listening device on the valve covers...maybe a bad lifter?
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Goldcylon
My guess would be a cat or exhaust shield rattle. Replace that darn Oil Pressure switch as well
I'd try that first too. You'd be amazed on what wacky things turns up when you think it's in the engine but actually not.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 04:37 PM
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Hope you don't end up going that far into it but in case you do this would be nice to have:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...154259993&rd=1
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