This started about a month ago but I thought it was my clutch that was just falling apart because that's also going out. We finally paid more attention to it and it sounded like loose rocker arms. So today we took off both valve covers and took off the rockers so we can inspect the pushrods to see if they were bent because of over revving the engine. I have hardened pushrods and none of them were bent. We inspected the the rocker arms and they are ok.

I do have questions on how to properly install the stock rockers back one. What we did was tighten them by a regular rachet the first time and then we turned the engine 180 deg. and then we loosened the rockers up and then torqued them down to 22 ft pounds. We then turned the engine another 180 deg and we made sure they were torqued to 22 ft pounds and then we did a quarter turn on the engine and verified once again. So we started the engine and the ticking is still there. It's noisy when it's cold but once it warms up it goes away at idle. I can still hear it between shifting gears only.

First, did we do the proper installation of rocker arms or did the method we use good enough for installation?

Second, do you think the ticking sound could be the lifters or piston slap?

If it is the lifters then I might as well get some ported heads and some LS7 lifters......

Heres the vid of the noisy valvetrain....




By the way I have the following installed:
241 stock heads
MS3 and matching springs from Texas Speed
7.4 hardened pushrods also from Texas Speed




I'm also getting the following trouble codes:

P0102, P0135, P0155, and P1336

I figured out that the reason I was getting the MAF and O2 errors was because I had a blown fuse. It was the "engine sensor fuse". Could the MAF and 02 error s cause the ticking sound since they were'nt working. I havent gone to the auto store to pick up another fuse so I was just wondering.

What's up with code P1336? It reads "Crankshaft Position Variation not learned".

 

little update. I put a good 20 amp fuse for the "engine sensor fuse" and the MAF and both O2's started working again... The engine was cold and when I started there was absolutely no noise. I thought the problem was fixed but after 30 seconds the noise came back....

 

Wow! No replies.....

 

wow, I dont know what to tell ya but free bump. Sounds scary man. Best wishes I hope she pulls through!
I have been told that the car will begin to misfire when a lifter goes out, got any misfire codes lately?

 

I have heard that sound many times

first time was valve in/ex spring broke
secend time was roker

 

Yeah, i've got some piston slap and maybe some MINOR lifter noise...and it sounds nothing like that.

I'd say broken spring if they rockers looked ok. Maybe a collapsed lifter. Regardless sounds like its time to start digging deeper.

 

Thanks guys for the help. My local Fbody board is saying it sounds like piston slap but I hope it's just a lifter or lifters. No codes thrown yet. I know it isn't a spring that's broken because I tookd off the valve covers and inspected the rockers, pushrods, and springs.

When I took her home it started smoking real bad because oil was falling on the headers. I think I didn't place the valve cover gasket on right. So I'm going to take off the coils and valve covers on that noise side and make sure again that no spring is broken

Is it real obvious to see a broken spring?

 

No sometimes people havent noticed until they take the spring out to replace it with bigger better stuff.

 

sounds more like a header leak to me....hardv to tell on a pc speaker...

 

That is definately not piston slap.

 

piston slap is more of a diesel sound and usually goes away as the engine warms up. Hard to diagnose with a video. It sounds like a marble rolling around in there. Take the drive belt off and fire it up and see if the noise is still there. I get a clacking noise from my power steering pump. Good Luck

 

1+
noise is hard to diagnose over the internet

 

HMMMM... Now you got me thinking. The only way to tell is to recheck everything. By what you are telling me it's either goint to be a broken spring or bad lifter or lifters...

The noise is definately coming from the top of the passenger side head....

 

sounds like rocker arms are hitting the valve covers. or even valve tappin pstions.

 

I am gonna guess that it's a leaky header gasket................


-

 

Check the belt tensioner, I’ve seen them make noise
like this.

The ones I’ve seen would make the most noise at idol
and when you give it a little throttle it would go away until the RPM leveled out and it would come back.

 

it is the problem:

File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System

Bulletin No.: 02-06-01-038

Date: December, 2002

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Engine Knock or Lifter Noise (Replace 0-Ring)

Models:
2001-2002 Chevrolet Camaro
2001-2003 Chevrolet Corvette
2001-2002 Pontiac Firebird
2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2000-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2001-2003 Chevrolet Silverado
2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
2000-2003 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
2001-2003 GMC Sierra
with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V8 Engine (VINs V, T, Z, G, S, N, U - RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)

Condition

Some customers may comment on an engine tick noise. The distinguishing characteristic of this condition is that it likely will have been present since new, and is typically noticed within the first 161-322 km (100-200 mi). The noise may often be diagnosed as a collapsed lifter. Additionally, the noise may be present at cold start and appear to diminish and then return as the engine warms to operating temperature. This noise is different from other noises that may begin to occur at 3219-4828 km (2000-3000 mi).

Cause

The 0-ring seal between the oil pump screen and the oil pump may be cut, causing aeration of the oil.

Correction

Inspect the 0-ring seal and replace as necessary. Use the applicable part number listed below. Refer to the Engine Mechanical sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.







Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSP0.

Warranty Information







For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table shown.







DISCLAIMER

 

Ditto

 

ya make sure your headers arnt leaking

 

This bulletin sounds like it could be your problem.