Could this be an oil filter prob?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Could this be an oil filter prob?
I've got a 97, 68K, recently changed oil (mobil 1), and a fram duraguard filter.
I recently noticed I'm hearing what sounds like rocker clattering (or otherwise known as "tappets" that lasts about a minute then goes away.
Could the oil be draining away that bad? and why did I not hear this before?
Pressure seems fine.
I recently noticed I'm hearing what sounds like rocker clattering (or otherwise known as "tappets" that lasts about a minute then goes away.
Could the oil be draining away that bad? and why did I not hear this before?
Pressure seems fine.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I have been monitoring this situation myself. I have in past years used either the Mobil-1 filter or the UPF-44. Recent test data indicates this filters do not flow cold oil too well. I recently switched to a Baldwin filter. We haven't gotten to the real cold weather yet, but it has been a bit cool and I have not yet had the engine tick. I am becoming more convinced that the oil filter does indeed have something to do with this. It is the same sound you describe, like the lifters are starving for oil. It is not piston slap.
Just do a filter change with the engine warm, fill the filter, run the car and shut down until cold the next day. A new filter will tell you quick if that is where the problem lies. I would be very interested in your findings.
Just do a filter change with the engine warm, fill the filter, run the car and shut down until cold the next day. A new filter will tell you quick if that is where the problem lies. I would be very interested in your findings.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 52
From: Deltona Fl.
filter
Pay the extra and get a good filter, K&N has the best flow numbers.
Napa Gold is pretty good for less money. I just don't think much of
the fram filters. You can see cut aways of the different filters at
some of the auto parts stores.
Napa Gold is pretty good for less money. I just don't think much of
the fram filters. You can see cut aways of the different filters at
some of the auto parts stores.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
It is the filter. That is why GM went from the PF 44 to the PF46 on the LS1. The PF46 has a drain back preventer. I am sure you can get a similar filter from Fram or Mobil 1 if you cross the PF46 filter over.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 2,080
From: Guelph, Ontario
Originally Posted by TrueBlueCoupe
It is the filter. That is why GM went from the PF 44 to the PF46 on the LS1. The PF46 has a drain back preventer. I am sure you can get a similar filter from Fram or Mobil 1 if you cross the PF46 filter over.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,329
Likes: 0
Was going roadracing and needed to change oil as well. Needed to get it done!! Autostore did not have the Mobil 1 filter I have been using and had to use a Fram. Oil pressure is higher than normal - do not know if this is related. However when oil gets "hot" the pressure tends to fall into a very normal range. Will let the Fram stay in over the winter and change it out in the Spring.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 1
From: West Grove Pa
I am having the same tapping problem, just started this week, cold engine. 
. Sounds like one side one lifter only. Goes away after about 3 minutes and temp rise. 2000 vert., stock internal eng. 24500 mi, 2100 hundred miles scince oil change, mobile 1, 5/30. I will be researching filter options. Thanks for the post.
. Sounds like one side one lifter only. Goes away after about 3 minutes and temp rise. 2000 vert., stock internal eng. 24500 mi, 2100 hundred miles scince oil change, mobile 1, 5/30. I will be researching filter options. Thanks for the post.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
From: Enterprise AL
Originally Posted by chillidog
I've got a 97, 68K, recently changed oil (mobil 1), and a fram duraguard filter.
I recently noticed I'm hearing what sounds like rocker clattering (or otherwise known as "tappets" that lasts about a minute then goes away.
Could the oil be draining away that bad? and why did I not hear this before?
Pressure seems fine.
I recently noticed I'm hearing what sounds like rocker clattering (or otherwise known as "tappets" that lasts about a minute then goes away.
Could the oil be draining away that bad? and why did I not hear this before?
Pressure seems fine.
The anti-drain valve is supposed to hold the oil in the oil passageways throughout the engine, thus preventing a "dry" startup. If it doesn't hold the oil in the upper portion of the engine, particularly the valve train, then clatter is going to be heard on start-up because of the lack of immediate oil pressure in the lifters.
zo6vettepilot
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by chillidog
Thanx guy's, I'll try the filter and let you know...
The o'ring where the pick-up tube connects leaks causing lifter noise because the oil leaks down .
You might want to check into that if the noise continues
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by vettenuts
I have been monitoring this situation myself. I have in past years used either the Mobil-1 filter or the UPF-44. Recent test data indicates this filters do not flow cold oil too well. I recently switched to a Baldwin filter. We haven't gotten to the real cold weather yet, but it has been a bit cool and I have not yet had the engine tick. I am becoming more convinced that the oil filter does indeed have something to do with this. It is the same sound you describe, like the lifters are starving for oil. It is not piston slap.
Just do a filter change with the engine warm, fill the filter, run the car and shut down until cold the next day. A new filter will tell you quick if that is where the problem lies. I would be very interested in your findings.
Just do a filter change with the engine warm, fill the filter, run the car and shut down until cold the next day. A new filter will tell you quick if that is where the problem lies. I would be very interested in your findings.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 959
Likes: 12
From: California CA
What you are describing sounds normal for a colder engine at startup (winter approaching). As the engine warms up, the clearances tighten and tapping noise goes away. Same thing happens with every part in the engine...
If it were an oil pressure or supply problem, the tapping would last less than 10 seconds.
Tappets have their name for a reason...
If it were an oil pressure or supply problem, the tapping would last less than 10 seconds.
Tappets have their name for a reason...
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
When I first got my 5.3 in the serria (Same design as LS1) I remeber reading about problems with non delco filters causing initial lifer noise on start up. Second, I read a report on filters and Fram (I used to use Fram all the time) had less than glowing reviews including drain back problems.
Long story short, I quit using Fram and lifter tap on start up went away in multiple vehicles, not just my GM's. For your application, I would first replace the filter with a delco and see if the that dosen't cure what ails you. If that dosen't fix it, then go for the more complex solutions later.
Long story short, I quit using Fram and lifter tap on start up went away in multiple vehicles, not just my GM's. For your application, I would first replace the filter with a delco and see if the that dosen't cure what ails you. If that dosen't fix it, then go for the more complex solutions later.