Lemover

My buddies '02 TA (WS6) is making noise! By the time I hear it the engine is warmed up and the noise is barely audible. The GM dealer says that noise is "normal" but several other mechanics thinks the engine needs rebuilt.

Everybody (including my friend) thinks the noise is piston slap.

What should I tell him to do?

NOSjohn

iTrader: (9)

What noise? When does it happen? Is it ticking, knocking, or metal to metal scratching? How many miles on the car ?

Lemover

What noise?

I havent heard it yet but he says it is a loud knocking noise.

When does it happen?

He said it is REALLY loud at startup but almost goes away when it warms up.

Is it ticking, knocking, or metal to metal scratching?

Through his description, its more of a knock, but not a hard, heavy knock like a rod.

How many miles on the car ?

I wil have to get to you on that one. But I know its not that many.

NOSjohn

iTrader: (9)

It could be anything from a loose lifter to a rod bolt gone. It really depends on the noise, miles and how hard it's been driven. It will take some looking into. He may have to take off the valve covers, etc. to find it.

To identify where it's coming from, he can take a 1 foot to 2 foot long piece of transmission hose (cooling hose, etc) put one end to his ear and use the other end to place in various areas over the motor. It is easier to identify where a noise is coming from doind this. It acts just like the stethoscope a doctor uses. Have him try it.

Until then, keep us informed.

Lemover

Thanks, I will do.

Lemover

The noise is from a lifter. It goes away when it warms up, so it took a few days to get to hear it. The car has 69K miles and it was ridden quite hard before he got it, so who knows how it was treated. I'm gonna have him run some cleaner through it and see how it turns out.

We are also looking at replacing the lifters. Is there a special way they have to be installed/adjusted?