Need help!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Need help!
So, I thought i fixed the problem with my engine clicking by putting oil in it (because i found out it was out of oil) and everything seemed to work right until i got on the interstate this morning and the faster i went the clicking started again, and the faster i went the faster the clicking was.
And it would almost stall at out if i was going too slow in 1st, like there wasn't enough drive to auto propel the car when the clutch is engaged. So on my way home from school i pulled onto my street into my neighborhood and the car just died, plenty of gas, the battery was fine... so im clueless to what happened. any suggestions?
And it would almost stall at out if i was going too slow in 1st, like there wasn't enough drive to auto propel the car when the clutch is engaged. So on my way home from school i pulled onto my street into my neighborhood and the car just died, plenty of gas, the battery was fine... so im clueless to what happened. any suggestions?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
well my car is screwed, and probably won't be driving it for a while, we solved the problem for it not starting (needed more gas), but the tapping from the engine persists, put oil in it, still goes on... so we figured its a damaged valve/ valve spring... unless there is a cheaper way to fix it, it's going to be way out of budget to fix
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
bad valve spring is easy to fix.
Do a search for "rope" - you'll find a way to hold the valve up.
Then a simple spring compressor tool, bet a couple of good size screwdrivers could be used. Slap a spring in, adjust the valve and voila.
If you are going to pull the heads for a full valve job it can be done in less than 4 hours.
About the same time to put them back on.
Now if the sound is lower like a rod knock its rebuild time.
Do a search for "rope" - you'll find a way to hold the valve up.
Then a simple spring compressor tool, bet a couple of good size screwdrivers could be used. Slap a spring in, adjust the valve and voila.
If you are going to pull the heads for a full valve job it can be done in less than 4 hours.
About the same time to put them back on.
Now if the sound is lower like a rod knock its rebuild time.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Yea it's an upper sound, and i'll have to try that 
but also my oil is disappearing, and there's no obvious leak
i put 3 quarts in last night to temp fix the problem (which didnt fix it at all) but later today i checked the oil and it needed to be filled, so i read up that overheating can cause a crack to form and it can leak into the cooling system (which might be why my coolant is turning brown)
but also my oil is disappearing, and there's no obvious leak
i put 3 quarts in last night to temp fix the problem (which didnt fix it at all) but later today i checked the oil and it needed to be filled, so i read up that overheating can cause a crack to form and it can leak into the cooling system (which might be why my coolant is turning brown)
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,723
Likes: 11
From: Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
Put a screwdriver to the valve covers and try and isolate the sound. For most of last summer I was following a loud ticking that increased with speed. Turns out my header bolts were loose causing a small leak. I tightened them up and the sound went away.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Kettle River Minnesota
Yea it's an upper sound, and i'll have to try that
but also my oil is disappearing, and there's no obvious leak
i put 3 quarts in last night to temp fix the problem (which didnt fix it at all) but later today i checked the oil and it needed to be filled, so i read up that overheating can cause a crack to form and it can leak into the cooling system (which might be why my coolant is turning brown)
but also my oil is disappearing, and there's no obvious leak
i put 3 quarts in last night to temp fix the problem (which didnt fix it at all) but later today i checked the oil and it needed to be filled, so i read up that overheating can cause a crack to form and it can leak into the cooling system (which might be why my coolant is turning brown)
U should always check your oil when u fill with gas and then u will never have these problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
yea it rusts because air is getting into the system, and im not sure how that would happen unless there is a crack somewhere
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Always figure out how your new car uses fluids and stick to that schedule. I discovered my car uses a qt of oil every 500 miles so I check it that often, basically every fill up. My oil usage is related to valve seals. No outside oil leaks but sooting up the rear bumper. The only time anything is noticeable is when you get on it and when you check the dipstick.
Mine doesnt make any noise and runs great. Since I use it for mostly road trips, I keep an eye on the odometer and add oil accordingly. At highway, my car gets pretty much 400-450 miles per tank so it works out pretty good.
Mine doesnt make any noise and runs great. Since I use it for mostly road trips, I keep an eye on the odometer and add oil accordingly. At highway, my car gets pretty much 400-450 miles per tank so it works out pretty good.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: FL
Find a mechanic, tell him you only need diagnosis, pay him. Talk to local machine shop guy, tell him the same thing, pay him $20 for just listening.
You cannot make right decision w/o complete info.
Yesterday I replaced exhaust gasket and manifold was welded.
Before I did that 2 dealer mechanics and 2 engine mechanics were listening that unusual sound. I even posted "sound" thread here.
Good luck!
Make a video, post it to Youtube, post link here.
You cannot make right decision w/o complete info.
Yesterday I replaced exhaust gasket and manifold was welded.
Before I did that 2 dealer mechanics and 2 engine mechanics were listening that unusual sound. I even posted "sound" thread here.
Good luck!
Make a video, post it to Youtube, post link here.
Last edited by car5car; Apr 15, 2010 at 10:31 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis MN
Yea it's an upper sound, and i'll have to try that
but also my oil is disappearing, and there's no obvious leak
i put 3 quarts in last night to temp fix the problem (which didnt fix it at all) but later today i checked the oil and it needed to be filled, so i read up that overheating can cause a crack to form and it can leak into the cooling system (which might be why my coolant is turning brown)
but also my oil is disappearing, and there's no obvious leak
i put 3 quarts in last night to temp fix the problem (which didnt fix it at all) but later today i checked the oil and it needed to be filled, so i read up that overheating can cause a crack to form and it can leak into the cooling system (which might be why my coolant is turning brown)
on you for not checking oil or any fluid level often.So far what you've said don't sound good.You could switch to a thicker oil & use Lucas oil additive in the meantime but,if oil is being introduced to the cooling system it can cause blockages(heatercore,coolant block passages,etc) & all cooling system hoses will have to be replaced after problem is fixed($$$$$).Check spark plugs for oil burning to pinpoint what cylinder(s) are affected.Also do a compression test while plugs are out to also see what cylinder(s) are affected.Disconnect each fuel injector one by one to see if noise "lessens".This will also pinpoint the affected cylinder(s).If oil IS mixing with the coolant you may have bad intake gasket,head gasket,warped or cracked head,or if you have a oil cooler that goes into radiator-the radiator could be cracked internally allowing the oil to mix with coolant.Its also possible that wear was created in the rockers & they need to be adjusted & the valve seals could be causing you oil consumption problem.Good luck & keep us posted
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
After the engine "ran out of oil" you should run the engine for a few miles then dump that oil and replace with a new filter. Repeat in 500-1000 miles.
Also it cannot hurt to add some Seafoam or Marvel Mystery Oil the to oil to help remove any varnish buildup especially on the lifters. This can reduce or eliminate the tapping noise.
A bad set of rings will consume a quart of oil in less than 1000 miles or less. But to use over a quart in a few days is not good. When you open the radiator can you smell oil in there? If so, not good.
It sounds like this car has either set for a long time or not been properly cared for by the PO. You should really start a comprehensive maintenance interval that includes all the filters, fluids and part replacement.
Not cheap but you'll have a better starting point than where you're at now.
BTW taking your Vette to a "Vette Shop" will most likely result in some major expenses. Ask around here for some help on performing some of the simple tasks to avoid paying through the nose.
Also it cannot hurt to add some Seafoam or Marvel Mystery Oil the to oil to help remove any varnish buildup especially on the lifters. This can reduce or eliminate the tapping noise.
A bad set of rings will consume a quart of oil in less than 1000 miles or less. But to use over a quart in a few days is not good. When you open the radiator can you smell oil in there? If so, not good.
It sounds like this car has either set for a long time or not been properly cared for by the PO. You should really start a comprehensive maintenance interval that includes all the filters, fluids and part replacement.
Not cheap but you'll have a better starting point than where you're at now.
BTW taking your Vette to a "Vette Shop" will most likely result in some major expenses. Ask around here for some help on performing some of the simple tasks to avoid paying through the nose.
