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Loud engine knock, but no codes. Please help.

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Old May 3, 2019 | 08:33 PM
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Default Loud engine knock, but no codes. Please help.

About 1 year ago i took the Corvette to a car wash, when it left the wash I could not start it, tried and tried and a loud grinding noise would sound. Finally got it started and a loud engine knock happened, i could barely drive it, had to be towed home, code was multiple misfire. Finally got around to looking at it again, changed the spark plug wires, now the engine has a loud knock coming from the drivers side but no CEL. its not drivable, IDK what could be wrong with it now, now the starter is grinding and wont even start the car anymore, so i need to fix that but I need to know what could be causing this crazy knock! Im so lost, no codes or anything. I tried attaching but i couldnt, i will keep trying any info or help will be greatly appreciated.
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Old May 3, 2019 | 08:36 PM
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Old May 3, 2019 | 08:47 PM
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im trying to avoid a hefty repair bill, there is only 1 place here in NM that works of Corvettes and they are pricey!
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Old May 3, 2019 | 09:07 PM
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no, it was a regular drive thru car wash
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Old May 3, 2019 | 09:13 PM
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I was gonna say and I mean this non offensively that the engine didn't look cleaned via pressure wash.

I could hazard about 10 different things that could be wrong including coincidences.

Wondering if it sucked water into the engine when you were in the wash through the dual cone air filter and bent a rod. Sometimes when that happens on LS motors it compromises the starter pad on the aluminum block.

What is the history on the engine? has it ever been touched or modified?
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Old May 3, 2019 | 09:16 PM
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engine hasnt been modified at all, just factory, the engine was off during the car wash
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Old May 3, 2019 | 09:22 PM
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It almost sounds like you can hear a rocker arm rattling around secondary to the knock.

Bottom line, it's hard at least for me to pinpoint without the thing in front of me.

Where are you located?
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Old May 3, 2019 | 09:30 PM
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Located in NM
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Old May 3, 2019 | 09:54 PM
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OK - i give, where in New Mexico - it’s a huge empty state.
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Old May 3, 2019 | 09:55 PM
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blew a spark plug out ?
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Old May 3, 2019 | 10:19 PM
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Albuquerque,

--IDK i replaced all the wires all the plugs looked fine at least to me
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Old May 3, 2019 | 10:19 PM
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but there are no codes, thats the crazy part, before there was "multiple misfire" codes
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Old May 3, 2019 | 10:20 PM
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now there is no CEL but the engine runs as u see in the video
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Old May 3, 2019 | 10:32 PM
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Do you have the ability to take the valve covers off?

If not, you might as well find the closest best shop you can get it into.
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Old May 4, 2019 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by jasindude1
Albuquerque,

--IDK i replaced all the wires all the plugs looked fine at least to me
When you get to the point where you just give up, I suggest you give Bruce a call and have him make a house call. He’s been around long enough and has seen about everything that could go wrong on a C5. He’s an excellent resource.

(505) 588-2749

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Old May 4, 2019 | 07:04 AM
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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Old May 4, 2019 | 09:23 AM
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That’s a loud metallic clang. Sounds (95% sure) to be a rod knock.

I dont think its valve train as misfire codes would’ve been showing with a valve issue that severe.

You dont have codes because the piston is still moving as it should, it’s just the rod bearing is screwed hence the noise.

You will need an engine replacement, at the very least a short block.
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Old May 4, 2019 | 12:19 PM
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Rod bent? Broken valve spring, valve hitting piston? Did you rule out that you drove over something in the car wash and damaged something from under the engine? Hard to tell from the video but clearly something is not happy. I had a '73 Olds back in the day that I took to the car wash and washed the engine and it tossed the timing chain when I cranked it back up. Total coincidence, which might be the case with your problem.
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Old May 4, 2019 | 12:28 PM
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I'm still debating in my mind if the car wash had nothing to do with this. Totally coincidental. I definitely agree with the bent rod synopsis but I swear I hear a secondary clatter that sounds likes its in the valve train that is on top of the rod knock sound.

OP what is your oil pressure like?
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Old May 4, 2019 | 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Black
I'm still debating in my mind if the car wash had nothing to do with this. Totally coincidental. I definitely agree with the bent rod synopsis but I swear I hear a secondary clatter that sounds likes its in the valve train that is on top of the rod knock sound.

OP what is your oil pressure like?
It ran good going into the car wash, would not start after the car wash and when it finally started it ran horribly and had to be towed. Maybe more than a coincidence. Either the car wash or the process of trying to start it after the car wash has something to do with it.
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