engine noise and smoke

[gregr]

Hello, I recently bought a 2002 WH Statesman. On long trips the engine gets very noisy but only after I have done 80k's or so. It starts off as a ticking noise and increases to a loud clacking. It will stay there for a 1/2 hour to a hour then disappears again for awhile before coming back. It is also leaking oil.

The engine is noisy on start up but after 2 seconds sounds normal. The car blows a bit of smoke from time to time also.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

[BLACKVE]

How many k'ms has she done could be old age?

[gregr]

it has done 130,000 kms

[BLACKVE]

it has done 130,000 kms

It could be the dredded ls1 piston slap noise but this normally goes away when car is warm. Maybe a lifter is on way out or something more serious best to get checked out by mechanic quicky so no damage done!

[gregr]

thanks, I was thinking it was going to be serious and probably in need of full rebuild

[BLACKVE]

in need of full rebuild

Hope not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gregr]

the local Holden agent had a look at it last week and given the oil leak alone they want to pull the engine out so I am thinking I might as well rebuild if the engine is coming out....would prefer not to but looks like it might have to be

[Wonky]

If it does need a rebuild you may be better off buying one of the brand new crate LS2s going for around $5k and sell yours on???

[gregr]

I have been looking around at the different engines. Do you know what other parts I would need for the newer engine or do they go straight in

[eldan89]

I have been looking around at the different engines. Do you know what other parts I would need for the newer engine or do they go straight in

A fresh LS1 will go straight in, an LS2 requires some minor wiring changes as well as a new PCM.

[gregr]

as it hasn't been budgeted for ( never is repairs ) I don't want to get caught up with other expenses like the PCM etc. I can get a rebuilt LSI fitted for $4200 with 3 years warranty however I am always keen for extra horses

[gmwarrior2]

If I were I would way up all the options, It would'nt be that much more to throw in Cam and tickle the heads when the motor is being rebuilt???

[KeenGolfer]

A fresh LS1 will go straight in, an LS2 requires some minor wiring changes as well as a new PCM.

It does NOT require a new PCM. You can run an LS2/L76 in a vehicle that had a 5.7 as long as it has a 24 tooth reluctor wheel, or change the reluctor wheel if it's a 58 tooth one. I've done it in my SS wagon.

[VNV8]

i wouldnt be getting a rebuild from holden if thats what your thinking, theyll overcharge and the work isnt always top-notch. seeing as youre in canberra you could try jake's performance, or go to melbourne/sydney for a forum sponsor. make a few calls for quotes and get them to blueprint the engine at the same time, using aftermarket (or brand new late model LS1/6) pistons and rings, plus good machining work, should get rid of piston slap.

the noise could be a sick lifter or rocker, but the smoke indicates a piston ring problem IMO. very strange that it gets worse at operating temperature, as normal piston slap should go away when hot as the metal expands.

[JezzaB]

What color smoke?

[streettuned]

sounds like possible pinging

[KeenGolfer]

youre in canberra you could try jake's performance, or go to melbourne/sydney for a forum sponsor.

We have a sponsor in Canberra, GenTech Performance.

I agree with the rebuild thing, no way in hell I'd get Holden to do it.

[SS Enforcer]

Definately ring a couple of the sponsors on this board before you do anything. Holmart have a new crate L76 6.0L for $4400.

If you need to spend a few more bucks to get it just right now is the time to do it. You may have to pay a few hundred $$ extra for a really good setup but nows the time to do it . Your current motor may last for a little while yet to give you time to save some more $$.

cheers

[dadem0n]

You can get L76s for $4K delivered if you look around ;)

[MYTO8]

maybe try giving it a good engine flush and put some good oil in it as it sounds like a sticky lifter. Have you had it service since you bought it? The previous owner might have used $5.99 recycled woolies special in it. old or bad oil can do all the things your describing i would be to hastey in rebuilding it yet. I have had cars that can chew 3litres of oil and blow smoke on one brand of oil replace it with a good oil and is quiet as a mouse and wont use a drop. My recommendation would be to drop the oil in it buy a cheap bottle of oil, filter and a bottle of good quality engine flush fill engine run and idle for 20mins then drop the oil replace filter and refill with a good quality oil. Its worth ago and if it works it will cost you $100 tops cheap then new motor.

[CSP]

seeing as youre in canberra you could try jake's performance

are you insane?


NEVER EVER, E V E R, go to Jakes Performance for anything!

[German Statesman]

i wouldnt be getting a rebuild from holden if thats what your thinking, theyll overcharge and the work isnt always top-notch. seeing as youre in canberra you could try jake's performance, or go to melbourne/sydney for a forum sponsor. make a few calls for quotes and get them to blueprint the engine at the same time, using aftermarket (or brand new late model LS1/6) pistons and rings, plus good machining work, should get rid of piston slap.

the noise could be a sick lifter or rocker, but the smoke indicates a piston ring problem IMO. very strange that it gets worse at operating temperature, as normal piston slap should go away when hot as the metal expands.

Just to present the other side of the equation....

A new long motor from a Holden dealer carries a 24 month or 50,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and the AC Delco range (yes, they reco engines too) had a 3yr or 100k warranty - both would have a labour warranty if fitted by a Holden dealer backed up by 350-odd other dealers, and if you ring the dealers up and shop them by saying 'I need a new LS1 long motor fitted and I'm a retail sale - gimme a price' you may come pretty close to what an independent would, but with a nationwide warranty on your motor AND labour.

As a commercial vehicle operator, that appeals to me and if you travel a lot it makes good sense.

C'mon planetdavo...I'm doing your job here!!! :D:dancenana::moon:

[VNV8]

only listed jake's performance from what ive read in magazines, never heard anything bad about them? as for gen-tech sorry i thought they were in VIC. Holden might give a warranty but the price youd pay for a reco/new motor and labour for fitting it would be insane. sorry but id rather have a tough engine built by a forum sponsor... but thats just me. the LS1 has been around for a while now and most aftermarket builders can do a better job (tighter tolerances, better quality parts etc.) than a factory rebuild or new engine for a very reasonable price.

[gregr]

it blows white smoke but not all the time. More so on start up after it has warmed up. Have spoke to mechanic today and he thinks it is a lifter and has advised to take off sump and inspect the oil pick up and relief

The service history is unknown but given the state of the engine I would say servicing has been very neglected. I will give the engine flush a go and then try a good oil.

[ssgirl2]

Has it overheated recently or have you noticed the water level is low/needs a top up?

I think white smoke sometimes means there is water going where it shouldn't.

This is MY personal opinion ONLY :1peek:

[gregr]

I have only had the car for 4 weeks but the temp gauge is running at normal temp. I have done almost 4000 kms in the 4 weeks and apart from the intermittent engine noise and smoke it seems to run fine. I had a mechanic take a quick look for me before purchase and he said the coolant looked below par.