The Piston Slap Thing
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 723
From: Chicago N/W Suburbs
The Piston Slap Thing
I read a few comments here and there about some LS1 engines having an inherent condition called "Piston Slap".
I own a 2001 convertible automatic with an unmodified LS1 engine. It has 12,000 miles. When I start it up the engine is smooth sounding. When I put it in gear, at idle the engine makes a slight sound that resembles a diesel engine. The smallest amount of acceleration, and it is quiet again.
Is that piston slapping?
If so, will this get louder over time?
Does this condition reduce the life of the engine?
What "Exactly" is the cause of piston slapping?
It is excessive play between the piston rod and piston?
Or between the rod and crank?
Or something else?
What year LS1 engines are at risk?
What is the true fix?
What is GM's stand on this?
Any "accurate" information would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I own a 2001 convertible automatic with an unmodified LS1 engine. It has 12,000 miles. When I start it up the engine is smooth sounding. When I put it in gear, at idle the engine makes a slight sound that resembles a diesel engine. The smallest amount of acceleration, and it is quiet again.
Is that piston slapping?
If so, will this get louder over time?
Does this condition reduce the life of the engine?
What "Exactly" is the cause of piston slapping?
It is excessive play between the piston rod and piston?
Or between the rod and crank?
Or something else?
What year LS1 engines are at risk?
What is the true fix?
What is GM's stand on this?
Any "accurate" information would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 723
From: Chicago N/W Suburbs
After reading through www.pistonslap.com, I conclude I have an extremely minor case of it. I just hope as the miles go on, the condition will not worsen. Time will tell.
Thanks screw991ie for the info.
Thanks screw991ie for the info.
Last edited by Ron Dittmer; May 6, 2005 at 02:52 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
My 2002 Silverado (5.3L) with about 38000 miles has a mild case of piston slap in the morning only. It lasts less than 10 seconds. Haven't had a problem with my 2004 Corvette Coupe at about 5400 miles. Never seen any blue smoke from either, the exhausts look pretty clean, and never have to add oil between changes. So far.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Change your oil filter to a K&N or Baldwin and the "slap" will quiet significantly. These oil filters flow better than most others, including the OEM ACDelco and Mobil 1 filters. I use the K&N and hear far less ticking or slapping than I did with the OEM or Mobil 1 filters.
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