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Old Dec 23, 2009 | 08:52 PM
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Default Engine ticking opinions

I just removed headers, X-pipe and Corsa exhaust, and replaced with original stock exhaust system. There was some jacking, prying, etc. getting headers out, but not too drastic. Problem now is, pretty decent tapping noise coming from what seems like directly over oil filter.

I changed filter, checked all plugs, wires, connections, etc., but noise continues. Triple checked that O2 fronts went to same side, and rear O2s went across to opposite sides. Oil pressure looks fine, and other than tapping noise in rear lower drivers side by oil filter, motor seems fine.

Car is 2002 coupe with 38,000 miles. Noise was not there until I changed back to complete stock exhaust. I've run out of things to check, and really could use some ideas and opinions of what this could be. Thanks Mike.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 08:35 AM
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Sounds like it may be an exhaust leak where the manifolds bolt to the exhaust flange.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by capevettes
Sounds like it may be an exhaust leak where the manifolds bolt to the exhaust flange.
I thoroughly checked that out and it, regrettfully wasn't coming from there. It actually sounds as if it is in the engine right above oil filter. Its driving me nuts. I'm afraid to drive car.

Can anyone tell me if the oil pump be accessed by lowering the lower oil pan only? I'd like to check it out as the possible cause.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by VeroWing

Can anyone tell me if the oil pump be accessed by lowering the lower oil pan only? I'd like to check it out as the possible cause.
....the oil pump is on the front of the motor, under the timing cover...so no....it is not accessible by dropping the oil pan. I can't see how you could have disturbed something internal by moving the motor around. Still think you have an exhaust leak. You did install new exhaust manifold gaskets....right?

Last edited by lucky131969; Dec 24, 2009 at 09:15 AM.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 10:34 AM
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If it is a ticking and not a knock could it be you have a plug wire arcing? or it could be a suck lifter?
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by BlueDragon
If it is a ticking and not a knock could it be you have a plug wire arcing? or it could be a suck lifter?
Very good point since the headers were just removed! Inspect the plugs and wires for sure.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 03:09 PM
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I bet it is an exhaust leak. That's what it would sound like.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 08:23 PM
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I thought about plug wires and bought a new set and installed. New exhaust gaskets, and have dropped midsection three times now since reinstalling.
I have car in air and can get under car while running. If you closed your eyes and went towards the tapping sound, you would go straight to the area directly over oil filter. It is driving me crazy. Three full days and counting, on this simple exhaust swap.
Thanks for the ideas, and if anyone has any more, I'd sure appreciate them. Thanks, Mike.
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Old Dec 24, 2009 | 09:28 PM
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Get a piece of small ID rubber hose and put a steel tip in it. Section of steel brake line works. Stick the soft end in your ear and play Doctor.

Noises can lie so don't think the worst. I changed plugs on a 454 Olds once and it knocked just like a rod bearing. After I throttle burst it one time it broke up the chunk of carbon and the knock was gone. I'd seen this problem before.

Pull the valve covers off and check for a rocker arm that's spit out all the needles on just one side. I had the retainer on one side of one of my stock rocker arms do that. The needles even went to the other bank, found 3 under the other valve cover.
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 08:59 AM
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I'll give it a try. Thanks. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. Mike
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 09:08 AM
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make sure none of the bolts on the headers are loose.
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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 02blkvert
make sure none of the bolts on the headers are loose.
I removed headrers and reinstalled stock exhaust manifolds. I checked and rechecked every bolt from engine to to mufflers.

I'm starting to think that noise may be coming from bellhousing area, right behind oil filter now. If I push clutch petal down, noise slightly alters. Any ideas?
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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 10:38 PM
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noise was probably there before, but you couldn't hear it
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