98TransAmNL

I'm just getting ready to bring my car to park at the garage this evening to get my new magnaflow catback installed in the morning and just as I start to leave I start hearing a small tick, tick, tick, noise under the hood. (My car is a 98 T/A, 6 speed) I put her in neutral but then the noise went away, as soon as I step on the gas it gets worse. The garage is about 10 minutes away, by the time I get there the tick, tick, tick under the hood is 10 times worse........and a lot louder. I'm no mechanic by no means, I know its coming from the engine. My mechanic will have a look at it when the garage opens but anyone have any ideas off hand??
What am I into???????

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iTrader: (4)

bump for you, maybe someone knows

tylerdj

iTrader: (31)

Can you tell if it's coming from the engine? An exhaust leak can make a 'ticking' sound.

95GreenZ28

iTrader: (70)

Top of the engine? Rockers, lifters, etc possibly

98TransAmNL

It is definitely coming from the engine!

tennz28

Seafoam your car, and you will see where its leaking from!

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

Check to see that your header bolts and spark plugs are all torqued to spec. Then I would use a stethoscope to inspect the rockers & lifters.

98TransAmNL

I don't think it is a sparkplug or header bolt issue......I think I'm into rockers or lifters..........Is this a big job to diagnose and repair? What does it involve?

TA1364

iTrader: (11)

Do you have headers on it?

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

That's what a lot of people think, until they find a loose plug/bolt. They can back themselves out over time. It's worth a try to check, its quick, and then you'll know for sure.

If it is a loose/dirty rocker, its pretty easy to remove and clean the rockers and then set the proper valve lash. If its a lifter, then you have to remove the head, to expose and inspect the lifters. Good luck with the hunt.

98TransAmNL

No headers!
Just spoke with the mechanic, its gone from a tick, tick, tick, to a knock, knock, knock........They are not sure what is on the go yet. They think it is coming from the bottom of the engine (on the back). They are going to drop the base pan out of her now and see if any of the connecting rods are broke off.

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

Trust me, you'll KNOW, when you broke a connecting rod. You may have spun a bearing. Regardless, if its knocking, it sounds like you're in for a rebuild. Make sure the shop knows what they are doing. Do you know how to use a stethoscope? Can you post up a video with sound?

Titanws6

iTrader: (35)

What about bent push rods, did you over-rev and miss a shift recently?
I would start by removing the valve covers, can you pinpoint it to the drivers or passenger side of the motor?

98TransAmNL

Is it common to wear a connecting rod bearing in a 98 LS1 ?

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

Well LS1's have been known to consume oil, that's why some opt for the LS6 pcv conversion, and any engine can spin a rod bearing due to oil starvation. I have read that LS1's can have piston slap too.