Piston Slap -
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
Piston Slap - help
What does piston slap sound like and how does it affect the engine/performance? From time to time there is a rattling sound noticable at idle. Typicall in summer. I imagine with all the knowledge on this forum someone can answer this.
[Modified by Brannon, 9:32 PM 12/17/2003]
[Modified by Brannon, 9:32 PM 12/17/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 3
From: Memphis Tn
Re: Piston Slap - help (Brannon)
You are problably experiencing what we all do on cold start-up. Until the engine reaches the right temp it will make noise because the heads and block are aluminum, which when heated up expands and tightens up the engine to it's designed specs. If it still *pings* at say-180-190 degrees then you have another problem, but this should be it. This expansion is built into the specs of the engine.
Hope that helps. :seeya
Hope that helps. :seeya
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
Re: Piston Slap - help (ScreaminDemon)
Thank you for your reply. I can't believe I only got one response. I figured there were more people with your knowledge out there. You answer makes sense.
The problem is that I get the sound only from time to time and typically after the car had been driven for a while and is completely warmed up. The sound is not very noticable except when I pull next to a wall and I here it reverberating or from inside the car with the stereo off. Also its louder underneath the car. I've taken it to the dealership, but of course it won't duplicate then.
Do you think I have a real problem? :confused:
The problem is that I get the sound only from time to time and typically after the car had been driven for a while and is completely warmed up. The sound is not very noticable except when I pull next to a wall and I here it reverberating or from inside the car with the stereo off. Also its louder underneath the car. I've taken it to the dealership, but of course it won't duplicate then.
Do you think I have a real problem? :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 1
From: NC
Re: Piston Slap - help (Brannon)
Brannon:
The reason why only a few have responded is that there are hundreds of
threads dealing with engine noise.
If it still rattles after warm up, then it is not piston slap. Piston slap is a cold
start problem and will go away in 4-5 minutes. It is a ticking or tapping sound.
Valve clatter will usually go away as soon as the oil is pumped up.
Injector tapping is alsways there but with a very light sound and will be heard
at the top on the engine.
What you most likely hear is belt tensioner noise or even alternator rattle.
There are TSB (GM bulletins) regarding both of these depending on the
year of the C5.
You don't mention what the particulars are of your car, which is helpful
in getting responses.
If it's a M6 (manual) and you're idling with the clutch engaged in neutral, you
will get drive train noise. This is normal.
Keep at with your dealer and good luck.
The reason why only a few have responded is that there are hundreds of
threads dealing with engine noise.
If it still rattles after warm up, then it is not piston slap. Piston slap is a cold
start problem and will go away in 4-5 minutes. It is a ticking or tapping sound.
Valve clatter will usually go away as soon as the oil is pumped up.
Injector tapping is alsways there but with a very light sound and will be heard
at the top on the engine.
What you most likely hear is belt tensioner noise or even alternator rattle.
There are TSB (GM bulletins) regarding both of these depending on the
year of the C5.
You don't mention what the particulars are of your car, which is helpful
in getting responses.
If it's a M6 (manual) and you're idling with the clutch engaged in neutral, you
will get drive train noise. This is normal.
Keep at with your dealer and good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 27
From: Farmersville Texas
Re: Piston Slap - help (georgec114)
Thanks georgec114,
It is a M6. I'll try and see if the sound goes away with the clutch engaged. I hope it is that simple. Then I'll feel a little stupid as well. :thumbs:
It is a M6. I'll try and see if the sound goes away with the clutch engaged. I hope it is that simple. Then I'll feel a little stupid as well. :thumbs:
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Re: Piston Slap - help (Brannon)
Good information. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,003
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From: Tampa Fl
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Re: Piston Slap - help (Brannon)
I have that little tapping sound to. It's not bad, but it was there when the car was new. sounds like a valve sticking or almost like a slight exhaust leak. I though maybe it was the belts first. I took it to a couple of dealers and they said it was normal during warm up. Some times it lasts 4-5 minutes if I let it idle sometimes more if it's really cold out. Mine is a 2000 with 12000 miles on it. I called GM and they extended my engine warranty for 6 years and 60000 miles. Im lucky if I get to 30000 miles in the next 3 year. Some where on here I posted a thread with the GM number to call and speak with a Chad Bailey :nonod: :U
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