ticking noise - blown Monaro

[commodoreone]

:bawl: My blown Monaro is making a very audible ticking noise - I initially thought it was the Harrop supercharger (H122), but had it checked and aside from a slightly worn bearing, the noise is still present.
The engine (Ls1) hasn't had a lot of work just cam, springs, headers and is blown with a H122Harrop punching out about 475rwh

I am now thinking it could be an internal engine issue - perhaps bearings of some type - it has done about 140km. Has anyone experienced similar issues, the noise is driving me crazy....

[ssv402]

Maybe the lifters, mine ticked for a little bit then let go and ate the whole damn thing a while ago. Be scared. Do not hammer it untill you get it checked asap.

[Desertws6]

Do yourself a favor and get a tool like this. It's an Automotive stethoscope and can find problems very quickly. Had this for many years and bought it for under $20.
I had a dreaded ticking noise that sounded just like a lifter. Turned out to be a A/C idler pulley bearing gone bad. Found the problem in 2 minutes of listening to engine parts.

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm48/stevespontiacgarage2/SANY0231-1.jpg

Cheers,
Steve

[SS Enforcer]

Could really be anything really from a dodgy lifter to piston slap a shot big end or a broken valve spring. Or it could be something simple like Steve suggested like an idler pulley. Your not going to get a diagnosis on a tappping or ticking noise on the net. Take it to a forum sponsor who should be able to tell you pretty quickly what it is or isn't.

cheers

[cookie_ssv]

take the belts off, my bet its a lifter.

[ADAM 26]

leaking header gasket?

[commodoreone]

:) Thanks guys - I like the idea of the automotive stethoscope, I might try this.

[Sloaney]

Give it a big rev and hold it on the limiter for an extended amount of time, this should fix the problem or let u know what it is :)

[Sloaney]

Na but seriously, take all the belts off and start it, then if ur noise is still there its inside the engine, like lifter or bearing, but if its gone its an idler, just give em all a spin when the belts are off and see what they feel like like.

[ebbett21]

when is it most noticeable low in the revs or does the ticking go away when your cruising say in 5 th gear. I had ticking noise in my old engine LS1 and ended up broken valve spring, lifters let go, did u get new lifters when the cam went in or have you over revved it at all doesnt take much. I wouldnt wait for it to get louder id have it straight into the workshop. goodluck mate

[commodoreone]

:) Thanks ebbett21 and all. The noise is there all the time - took it to Sams recently as I thought it was the supercharger, but after inspection no change. I took the advice of Desertws6 and bought an automotive stethoscope and did some probing tonight- believe it or not it sounded like the noise was coming from the fuel rails/injectors...???

I seemed to recall previous threads where people experienced problems with their injectors - Anyone had similar issues with ticking injectors and if so what was the cure, simply replacing them ?

[Louie_D]

Could be just an exhaust leak, maybe header gaskets. If not, ticking noises are usually top end like a broken valve spring, injectors, bent valve, spun lifter, bent push rod, bent rocker arm, headgasket. Last week i was hearing the same noise after a quick downshift/rev. Did a compression test and found that one cylinder was 0 and once i removed the valve cover i noticed a broken valve spring. I replaced that and only managed to get the compression up to 80 so i removed the head and found a bent exhaust valve. You can do a leakdown test or if you find a cylinder with low compression, bring piston to TDC, plug the compressor into the spark plug whole and you should be able to hear/feal where the pressure is being lost for example if its an exhaust valve you should be able to fear pressure escaping from the exhaust, if its an intake valve it will be coming out of the intake and if its a headgasket out of the oil fill/radiator cap.

[Desertws6]

:) Thanks ebbett21 and all. The noise is there all the time - took it to Sams recently as I thought it was the supercharger, but after inspection no change. I took the advice of Desertws6 and bought an automotive stethoscope and did some probing tonight- believe it or not it sounded like the noise was coming from the fuel rails/injectors...???
I seemed to recall previous threads where people experienced problems with their injectors - Anyone had similar issues with ticking injectors and if so what was the cure, simply replacing them ?

Before replacing injectors (unless they are very old) I would try a simple cheap experiment.

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=26&catid=8&loc=show&headTitle=
Lucas Fuel Treatment
Lucas Fuel Treatment is formulated for both gasoline and diesel engines, carbureted or fuel injected. It gives your fuel system what it really needs - a blend of super slick oils and additives with a high detergent action that allows the engine to operate at maximum efficiency. Also, it cleans and lubricates the carburetor and injectors and causes the fuel to burn more thoroughly for increased power and less fuel consumption. Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline without causing harmful emissions. Use it to pass smog tests. Finally, it totally neutralizes the harmful effects of low sulfur diesel fuel.

http://www.lucasoil.com/images/products/10020_FuelTreatment_5OZ_lg.gif

I believe that Mainlube has a similar product available also.

Give this a try with a tankful of petrol and see if you notice a difference. Perhaps even try doubling the initial recommended or add to 1/4 tank. Over usage will not harm the car, injectors, fuel system. You won't notice instant results, it will take some time to get through the fuel system.

I do use this stuff all the time with every vehicle and every tankful.

The thought behind it:
If you have a squeaky door hinge you lubricate it, right?
Why not try to lubricate an injector, fuel pump or other?
Anything mechanical does need some lubrication.

It's simple to add to a tank of petrol and far cheaper than injectors. :D

Cheers,
Steve