![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 184
|
Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Greetings,
My truck has recently (within the last few months) developed a tap/tick/knocking noise on cold starts. I don't know what is causing it, and I would appreciate any input from you more knowledgeable folks. I have included a link to a video where you can hear the noise, hopefully it works: http://tinypic.com/r/1z2j34k/9 It ticks for a few minutes after a cold start, then the noise goes away and stays away till I let the truck sit for a few hours. It will start quiet and get louder until it reaches the volume heard in the video, then stop abruptly after the engine has been running for 4-5 minutes. My suspicion is a problem with a lifter (or multiple lifters), but I don't have enough experience with these motors to know for sure. The engine is a 350 with a cam, don't know the specs, I am pretty sure the lifters are not rollers. Thanks in advance!
__________________
Nick 1972 Chevrolet C10 Stepside |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Rufus Oregon
Posts: 1,187
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Noticed you have headers. Check to see if one of the gaskets are blown out. That ticking happens on my El Camino with headers. That sometimes gives the impression of a lifter ticking. If that doesn't cure the problem, try using something like Marvel Mystery Oil, should be able to buy that at any good parts store. Put a quart in with your next oil change. I've use this product for years with good results. Is this a newer engine or a old one? What weight oil are you using?
__________________
1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 184
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Thanks for replying, Super.
It's a new engine, according to the previous owner. It had about 30k miles when I bought it, and I put about 9k more in the past 1.5 years. I have been meaning to check the headers, like you mentioned. Since the noise disappears after a few minutes, I thought maybe there was a leak that plugs itself when the parts heat up and expand. I have used Marvel Mystery Oil twice on this engine so far: once, a few months ago when I first noticed the noise, and I put another quart in last week (it's still in the oil when I recorded the video this morning). I'm due for an oil change this weekend, using 10w-30 Mobil Synthetic. I changed the oil after running the MMO for a few laps around town last time, and will do the same this weekend with the current MMO in the oil.
__________________
Nick 1972 Chevrolet C10 Stepside |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road.
Posts: 2,629
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,626
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Sounds like a lifter.
Pop the valve covers off and check all the rockers are moving equally. Also look at the rocker studs. One could be pulling out. And check the rockers themselves. They crack sometimes. Hopefully it's not a cam going flat! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA
Posts: 1,174
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Check your header bolts , check the collector bolts , if it still knocks , take your valve covers off and see if a rocker is really lose , hows your oil pressure ?
__________________
68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Rufus Oregon
Posts: 1,187
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Usually running Marvel Mystery Oil will free up a sticky lifter. I've rebuilt numerious small blocks in the past, using the old rockers, and have never had a problem. High R.P.M. and heat sometimes causes problems, stress cracks, fatigue, etc. Most newer cams are heat treated for strength to prevent a flat lobe. Imported engine parts, I try to stay away from, bad metal. How's your oil pressure? At idle, and high speeds?
__________________
1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Rufus Oregon
Posts: 1,187
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
I also should say, with that mileage it just might need the rockers re-adjusted. Some people only adjust them cold, not hot. Some thing else to think about.
__________________
1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | ||||
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 184
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I appreciate all the input, fellas. I'll report back after trying these suggestions this weekend.
__________________
Nick 1972 Chevrolet C10 Stepside |
||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Posts: 2,191
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Has this engine always been run on synthetic oil? Or did you make the switch from regular to synthetic when you bought the truck? The flat tappet lifters and cam may not like the change.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 184
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Oil pressure is very close to the max on cold starts, but when the engine is up to normal operating temp the idle oil pressure hovers just above the first line on the gauge. When driving down the highway the pressure is constant at just above the third line. The gauge doesn't have any numbers, so I'm not sure what the exact pressures are.
__________________
Nick 1972 Chevrolet C10 Stepside |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Rufus Oregon
Posts: 1,187
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Is this a older re-built engine or a newer one? If it was me living were you do, I would use a straight 30wt. oil, doesn't thin out as fast as a multi weight. I live in Eastern Oregon, and with the 402 in my '71 Cheyenne and 350 in my El Camino I run only 30wt. oil. Haven't had any problems with this combination. I also use a product called Power Punch, produced in Bremerton Washington, been using it for over 35 years with very good results. It more that likely isn't available on the East coast. Lucus works just as good, I prefer Power Punch over here.
Anyways just some more tips and advise. Good luck with your engine.
__________________
1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: bisbee, arizona
Posts: 1,529
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
use a 3/4 inch diameter 4 foot long length of heater hose as a stethiscope to very specificly locate the noise. make sure you dont put the greasy end in your ear by putting some coloured tape on one end.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,626
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
If you put a funnel on one end, there's no fear of accidental greasy ear!! LOL!!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Smyrna TN
Posts: 1,153
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
I just watched the video, sounds like a lifter to me. I've had good luck with Hyperlube stopping lifter noise in the past. You can buy it at Walmart. If you post pictures of your engine and any engine stampings it would help in identifying what engine you have in your truck. I agree with some of the other advise about going away from Synthetic oil. I would recommend 10W-40 in FL, but keep in mind oil recommendations are plentiful and can lead to arguments.
![]()
__________________
1971 Longbed BB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed SB Cheyenne Super 1972 Longbed Highlander Custom Deluxe 1975 K5 4x4 full convertible Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=645165 Greg Smyrna TN |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: WARRENSBURG,MISSOURI,64093
Posts: 1,518
|
![]()
I guess I'm just old school, but I always added a quart of ATF to my oil change when I suspected a sticking lifter.the ATF is mostly detergent, and does a pretty good job of freeing up a stuck lifter.
of course, you would change the oil after the noise subsided. The header gasket/collector gasket leaks have fooled me before as well, so +1 on checking/replacing the gaskets/header bolts. good luck, and hopefully it's something simple. Ben ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
That sounds like a bad exhaust leak or a cracked flexplate to me.
Also noticed that the headers are welded directly to the exhaust pipe. That can create a lot of stress on the header flange at the head. Gary
__________________
'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
Quote:
|
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 184
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
Could a cracked flexplate cause a temporary knocking noise? Honest question; the flexplate is always spinning, right? So it would always be knocking if it was damaged? This knocking only lasts a few minutes after a cold start, then it goes away.
__________________
Nick 1972 Chevrolet C10 Stepside |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Cheyenne, WY
Posts: 742
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
I throw this out there only because it happened to me. I had one rod that would ever so barely hit the side of the block. It was so slight, that expansion of waring up would stop it. It was close to the sound of a lifter tick, and certainly not what you would think from something in the lower end.
It would do it on cold starts for a couple of minutes. After warming up a bit, it would disappear. It was a big block and was from the area where the connecting rod bolts were. I would only consider this after proving its not lifter related. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road.
Posts: 2,629
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
I have seen a loose flex plate bolt knocking its way around. Tightened it up, problem fixed.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road.
Posts: 2,629
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
I say it again, this stuff is the correct chemical composition for out hydraulic flat tappet cams.
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Category_Code= http://www.valvoline.com/our-product...vr1-racing-oil If you look deeper you will see the vr1 is formulated for todays alcohol based fuels. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 184
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
I change the oil today, took the advice of going back to conventional oil, and I added the oil supplement suggested by engineer_gregh. Started her up and still had the noise. I have the header gaskets, but didn't have time to change those yet. I'll hopefull have time this week to do that, but I could use some help figuring out what tool I will need to remove the bolts.
![]() Removing the valve covers and looking for problems there is next after the header gaskets.
__________________
Nick 1972 Chevrolet C10 Stepside |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Rufus Oregon
Posts: 1,187
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
use a 12 point wrench. Also if you have the money, go back to stock exhaust manifolds. In a truck you will gain little, if any performance benefits from headers. A cracked flex plate would give your starter problems. Those bolts look like 3/8 or 7/16 in size.
__________________
1971 Cheyenne Super C-20 402 4 speed 1970 El Camino L-48 350 1999 Chevy Z-71 Extended Cab 4x4 2000 Tahoe Z-71 2004 Monte Carlo S.S. Supercharged Dale Earnhardt Intimidator 1970 Chevelle, Malibu Sport Coupe 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 1,108
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
I searched for days for a similar tick I had with an El Camino with a 350. Believe it or not, it turned out to be the fuel pump push rod. The pump rod had worn down after many miles of use and would tick exactly like a lifter noise. Turned out the ticking sound was being transmitted into the camshaft lobe that drives it. Then into the valve train/lifter area.
I purchased a new fuel pump push rod at my local auto parts store, replaced the rod and the tick disappeared. Just a thought... POP
__________________
2016 RAM Laramie HEMI 1966 Fairlane GT/A, 390/335 HP If it costs you a dollar to make a friend, KEEP THE DOLLAR. If it costs you a friend to make a dollar, KEEP THE FRIEND. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA
Posts: 1,174
|
Re: Tap, Tick, Knock... Whatever it is, it sounds bad.
get copper gaskets and stage 8 locking fasteners
__________________
68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|