Ticking Sound From Engine
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: ST PETE FL
Ticking Sound From Engine
Need help ... I have a 96 corvette, auto, LT1 , There is a ticking sound comming from the engine sounds like its near the valve cover. I found out it was there when I was at the window at a Burgerking pick up window. It was echoing off the wall if i open the door is more evident .The Exhaust shop said it was not the exhaust.
I think its the lifters any ideas and if it is the lifters how long till it breaks something or messes up . Will I be ok for a while . I also just changed the oil thinking it would help . (nothing ) I have ran mobile 1 since new. Any ideas how much it would cost to install new lifters I just need your opinion on what someone would charge so i dont get ripped off. thanks guys ...
I just dont want to mess up my engine so any help would we greatful .
I think its the lifters any ideas and if it is the lifters how long till it breaks something or messes up . Will I be ok for a while . I also just changed the oil thinking it would help . (nothing ) I have ran mobile 1 since new. Any ideas how much it would cost to install new lifters I just need your opinion on what someone would charge so i dont get ripped off. thanks guys ...
I just dont want to mess up my engine so any help would we greatful .
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: ST PETE FL
[QUOTE=Lars87;1558268797]couldent it just be injector ticking?
My injectors tinkking seem pretty loud up against a wall etc...[/I
With the hood open and my head near the driverside cover its a little loud . I know its hard to diag without being there but im Concerned and scared about messing the motor up. I love my car so dont want to cause damage. Maby its my cats now that i think about it ..
My injectors tinkking seem pretty loud up against a wall etc...[/I
With the hood open and my head near the driverside cover its a little loud . I know its hard to diag without being there but im Concerned and scared about messing the motor up. I love my car so dont want to cause damage. Maby its my cats now that i think about it ..
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: ST PETE FL
[QUOTE=CORVETTEKRIS;1558268951]
Any one know about what it would cost to install new lifters labor and all just a quote. thanks guys ...
couldent it just be injector ticking?
My injectors tinkking seem pretty loud up against a wall etc...[/I
With the hood open and my head near the driverside cover its a little loud . I know its hard to diag without being there but im Concerned and scared about messing the motor up. I love my car so dont want to cause damage. Maby its my cats now that i think about it ..
My injectors tinkking seem pretty loud up against a wall etc...[/I
With the hood open and my head near the driverside cover its a little loud . I know its hard to diag without being there but im Concerned and scared about messing the motor up. I love my car so dont want to cause damage. Maby its my cats now that i think about it ..
Last edited by CORVETTEKRIS; Dec 27, 2006 at 05:07 PM. Reason: spelling
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Elkton MD
Ticking
If you don't have a mechanic's stethoscope (like who does?) get a 3' piece of small diameter garden hose. With one end in your ear and the engine running, you should be able to pin point the source of the tick. If it's one lifter, you may have to remove a valve cover to discover which it is.
Be careful of hair, ties, clothing to keep them out of the belts and off the exhaust while searching.
Good luck.
Be careful of hair, ties, clothing to keep them out of the belts and off the exhaust while searching.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: ST PETE FL
If you don't have a mechanic's stethoscope (like who does?) get a 3' piece of small diameter garden hose. With one end in your ear and the engine running, you should be able to pin point the source of the tick. If it's one lifter, you may have to remove a valve cover to discover which it is.
Be careful of hair, ties, clothing to keep them out of the belts and off the exhaust while searching.
Good luck.
Be careful of hair, ties, clothing to keep them out of the belts and off the exhaust while searching.
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 85
From: O'Fallon Missouri
As others have said, our injectors can be loud. Make sure it's not just a noisy injector before you tear the car apart.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Concord North Carolina
[QUOTE=CORVETTEKRIS;1558268951]
My cats are gutted and I have no piping as I am trying to get new installed hopefully from midamerica and it ticks. Its loose there because there is no pipe to hold it in place. Get under there and see if it jiggles.
couldent it just be injector ticking?
My injectors tinkking seem pretty loud up against a wall etc...[/I
With the hood open and my head near the driverside cover its a little loud . I know its hard to diag without being there but im Concerned and scared about messing the motor up. I love my car so dont want to cause damage. Maby its my cats now that i think about it ..
My injectors tinkking seem pretty loud up against a wall etc...[/I
With the hood open and my head near the driverside cover its a little loud . I know its hard to diag without being there but im Concerned and scared about messing the motor up. I love my car so dont want to cause damage. Maby its my cats now that i think about it ..
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 48
From: Angier nc
my lt4 is about to hit 101k miles.i bought it with 89k miles.it has had a ticking sound since i bought it.i have replaced the rocker arms and a couple of pushrods that bent.i went from stock exhaust to long tubes and no cats.it may very well be a lifter.until the sound gets worse or changes i am going to drive the snot out of it.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 520
Likes: 6
From: Elverson PA
To listen to injectors:
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 237
Likes: 1
From: Alpharetta GA
To listen to injectors:
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
My money is on the injectors. Mine are noisy. When I first got my car I was concerned, but my GM-loving buddy (who buys cars like most people buy groceries) has had many LT1's and he quickly convinced me with a screwdriver that it was the injectors and not the valvetrain. I'm not saying it can't be a valvetrain noise in your car, but I agree with these guys that you should rule out injectors before you remove valve covers. 
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: ST PETE FL
My money is on the injectors. Mine are noisy. When I first got my car I was concerned, but my GM-loving buddy (who buys cars like most people buy groceries) has had many LT1's and he quickly convinced me with a screwdriver that it was the injectors and not the valvetrain. I'm not saying it can't be a valvetrain noise in your car, but I agree with these guys that you should rule out injectors before you remove valve covers. last night on the way home I raced a new mustang v8 and smoked him dead stop to 110 3 cars ... not that i would admit doing 110 on the street . I REALY THOUGHT HE WOULD OF BEAT A C4 CORVETTE LT1
Last edited by CORVETTEKRIS; Dec 28, 2006 at 08:45 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
To listen to injectors:
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
I walked away with a pair of earphones while on a flight that had a movie. Have used it many times.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
I had injectors replaced on my '91. Noticed the ticking sound when it came back. I thought it was a valve tap until I read posts about the injectors. I will try the screwdriver idea. Maybe this is what you're hearing. I've ignored my noise so far.
Great story about the mustang! I love it! 3 cars Haaaaa! Awesome dude Good luck
Great story about the mustang! I love it! 3 cars Haaaaa! Awesome dude Good luck
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
From: Concord North Carolina
I dont know. I wonder if my L-98 would give the GT a run for its money.
Put a few mods on your L-T1 and youll be one of the fastest cars on the road. Especially the older ones.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: ST PETE FL
The NEW mustang GTs have around 300-315 horsepower stock. I might be off a little but....Your car I believe comes with 300 stock. Again I might be a little off. If your making the same power, our cars were ahead of there time so factor that in and your car is made of a similar fiberglass material, we dont have backseats.....weight is a bit on our advantage. Not by much but every little bit helps. I dont know. I wonder if my L-98 would give the GT a run for its money. Put a few mods on your L-T1 and youll be one of the fastest cars on the road. Especially the older ones.
I dont know. I wonder if my L-98 would give the GT a run for its money. Put a few mods on your L-T1 and youll be one of the fastest cars on the road. Especially the older ones.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City CA
To listen to injectors:
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
Get a long screwdriver. Place blade on injector, put handle to ear. You will easily be able to distinguish the injector tick this way. This is a good way to check that each injector is working (for future reference).
Also, put the blade of the screwdriver on the valve cover to see if the noise is coming from there.
Good luck,
Dave
I love these types of tips 
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: ST PETE FL