Engine Noise
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 53
From: St. Louis Missouri
Engine Noise
Getting a ticking noise from the engine of a 99 that’s the same tempo as a valve that’s sticking. I’ve read it could be other things and not a serious or costly fix. I tried to search it but felt best asking directly.
I realize this information isn’t very detailed. Was looking to buy and want to get some info before I go back.
What should I be looking for?
I realize this information isn’t very detailed. Was looking to buy and want to get some info before I go back.
What should I be looking for?
Last edited by Willows; Jan 28, 2023 at 08:17 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
What are the miles on the engine and what are the codes, if any?
LS engines are notorious for all kinds of noise, especially when cold. The common diagnosis is piston slap but the noise could also be valve related. Piston slap noise usually goes away when the engine warms up but valve noises typically do not. Piston slap noise is usually not a worry because LS engines ordinarily last an extraordinary length of time regardless. Unless boosted.
My theory is that aluminum block engines are noisier than iron block engines because the aluminum expands and contracts more than iron from temperature changes and aluminum transmits vibration more than iron at the frequencies we hear.
You have been advised to remove valve covers and see what you can see. Look for any rocker that is not tight against the valve stem and or broken valve springs. A loose rocker could be because of a broken valve spring, a rocker trunnion failing or, very unlikely, a stuck valve.
LS engines are notorious for all kinds of noise, especially when cold. The common diagnosis is piston slap but the noise could also be valve related. Piston slap noise usually goes away when the engine warms up but valve noises typically do not. Piston slap noise is usually not a worry because LS engines ordinarily last an extraordinary length of time regardless. Unless boosted.
My theory is that aluminum block engines are noisier than iron block engines because the aluminum expands and contracts more than iron from temperature changes and aluminum transmits vibration more than iron at the frequencies we hear.
You have been advised to remove valve covers and see what you can see. Look for any rocker that is not tight against the valve stem and or broken valve springs. A loose rocker could be because of a broken valve spring, a rocker trunnion failing or, very unlikely, a stuck valve.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 53
From: St. Louis Missouri
What are the miles on the engine and what are the codes, if any?
LS engines are notorious for all kinds of noise, especially when cold. The common diagnosis is piston slap but the noise could also be valve related. Piston slap noise usually goes away when the engine warms up but valve noises typically do not. Piston slap noise is usually not a worry because LS engines ordinarily last an extraordinary length of time regardless. Unless boosted.
My theory is that aluminum block engines are noisier than iron block engines because the aluminum expands and contracts more than iron from temperature changes and aluminum transmits vibration more than iron at the frequencies we hear.
You have been advised to remove valve covers and see what you can see. Look for any rocker that is not tight against the valve stem and or broken valve springs. A loose rocker could be because of a broken valve spring, a rocker trunnion failing or, very unlikely, a stuck valve.
LS engines are notorious for all kinds of noise, especially when cold. The common diagnosis is piston slap but the noise could also be valve related. Piston slap noise usually goes away when the engine warms up but valve noises typically do not. Piston slap noise is usually not a worry because LS engines ordinarily last an extraordinary length of time regardless. Unless boosted.
My theory is that aluminum block engines are noisier than iron block engines because the aluminum expands and contracts more than iron from temperature changes and aluminum transmits vibration more than iron at the frequencies we hear.
You have been advised to remove valve covers and see what you can see. Look for any rocker that is not tight against the valve stem and or broken valve springs. A loose rocker could be because of a broken valve spring, a rocker trunnion failing or, very unlikely, a stuck valve.
Last edited by Willows; Jan 29, 2023 at 06:31 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
I forgot to mention using an automotive stethoscope to help pinpoint noise location.
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$11 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/HARDK-Automoti...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 389
Likes: 76
From: Chicago
Getting a ticking noise from the engine of a 99 that’s the same tempo as a valve that’s sticking. I’ve read it could be other things and not a serious or costly fix. I tried to search it but felt best asking directly.
I realize this information isn’t very detailed. Was looking to buy and want to get some info before I go back.
What should I be looking for?
I realize this information isn’t very detailed. Was looking to buy and want to get some info before I go back.
What should I be looking for?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 53
From: St. Louis Missouri
Was trying to figure this out before I bought it, and was trying to avoid a mistake. I’ll fix whatever it is.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 53
From: St. Louis Missouri
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
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I doubt very seriously it's a stuck valve if all has been well for 94,000 miles. But it could be a slightly bent valve from a PO overrev. My guess is you're probably OK, because as Jim said, LS engines can be a bit noisy. But I'd check as has been posted.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 53
From: St. Louis Missouri
maybe the dealership can give me a more trustworthy quote.
https://www.fairwayautomotive.com/
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 389
Likes: 76
From: Chicago
thanks. I’m going to see a mechanic Tuesday and see what he says. I always worry about getting a snow job from them but they’re capable.
maybe the dealership can give me a more trustworthy quote.
https://www.fairwayautomotive.com/
maybe the dealership can give me a more trustworthy quote.
https://www.fairwayautomotive.com/
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 53
From: St. Louis Missouri
So my shade tree friends all said it sounded like a valve problem, and that’s what I was worried about.
found a very good shop, the manager built a c6 and they work on all classic cars. Gave a test ride and looked at the engine. Come to find out the noise is the fuel injectors. He said the engine is in excellent condition. What a relief. Went for a long ride to celebrate.
thanks for the advice and reply’s everyone, greatly appreciated!!
found a very good shop, the manager built a c6 and they work on all classic cars. Gave a test ride and looked at the engine. Come to find out the noise is the fuel injectors. He said the engine is in excellent condition. What a relief. Went for a long ride to celebrate.
thanks for the advice and reply’s everyone, greatly appreciated!!
