PBO

Its finally started getting colder down here in south carolina lately, and my car seems to have a real bad tapping noise, or knocking noise in the morning. Then after the car warms up it calms down, and it doesnt seem to want to do it as bad in the afternoons. I usually drive it for about 14 minutes to work in the morning and then from 7 am to 5 pm dont drive it, and then 14 minutes back home. Just wondering if this sounds like a big problem and i should worry about it, or it can wait until i get my head an cam package in about 4 months. I dont really drive it hard, usually stay pretty calm, unless im on the initerstate in a have to shoot around somone real quick, even then i try not to get on it to much. But of course there is a couple times a month when the time calls for it and ya just need to give it hell. I keep the rpms about 6k and under when i do.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

A tapping sound in a cold engine is usually a hydrallic lifter that isn't pumping up all the way, especially if it is a "slow" tap. Cam turns at half the speed of the crank. Check your oil presure and oil level. A rod knock might sound a little like that, except it will be faster and will be louder under heavier engine load. Whatever it is, I wouldn't rev to anywhere near 6000 rpm until it is corrected.

89rsragtop

It's piston slap. I get it too. It's just another gift from the fine folks at GM.

PBO

so its nothing really to worry about? my oil pressure seams to be breaking 40 by a little when im at idle, and then when i get on it it breaks 60 a little. I use the mobil 1 synthetic. I swear by it. Ive heard people say that they loose oil pressure when they use mobile 1, but whatever.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

My 02 had a tick when cold, I found a different filter helped. I am using a Baldwin now. Might be worth a try for a few bucks.

fastmatt98

iTrader: (27)

Yup thats ole Piston Slap to make your morning bright lol. I have it too but it goes away after the car warms up.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

If it is piston slap, it will be a fast tap, if a lifter, it will be slower (half of crankshaft speed.)

PureWS6

so how do you correct the piston slap problem?

Redrooster

You don't unless you want to build your short block. Its too much clearance between the piston and cylinder wall. As the motor warms the pistons expand and stop the knocking sound. Its pretty common with race motors that are built loose with forged pistons too. Think of it like this .... loose is fast!

89rsragtop

Don't worry about it until it starts to use oil. That's really the sign you should do something about it.

tye698

what about rattle coming from your heads is that bad...lol

SSTYCOON

iTrader: (2)

yea like everyone said, it's normal, , just as long you have good(Normal) Oil pressure.
my 01 does it
my 00 doesn't

Bo White

iTrader: (59)

Dang, I thought this thread was about something else

sixvi6-camaro

iTrader: (9)

I woke up on monday to -4deg F. my car made noises like nothing I've ever heard but after it warmed up it was all quiet. I say its normal.. all cars make unusal noises when they are cold. just like was said.. watch the oil pressue and check the oil level once in a while. keep out of the throttle until the enigne is up to operating temp too just to be safe.