Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Valve train picture - bad lifter?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 27, 2011 | 02:08 PM
  #1  
lnuxhakr's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 0
From: The Confederacy
Default Valve train picture - bad lifter?

We are getting ready to pull the heads on my son's car in an attempt to troubleshoot what we think is a bad lifter and we were looking at the valve train and noticed only one rocker was lower than the rest on both sides of the engine.

Is this a dead giveaway to a bad lifter?

I have labeled it in the pic below. Sorry for the noob question, but we are new to the whole internal motor stuff and feeling our way in the dark..

Reply
Old Mar 27, 2011 | 02:44 PM
  #2  
b16acrx1988's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Gulfport, MS
Default

Roll it over and watch the whole time
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2011 | 02:46 PM
  #3  
remauto1187's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
From: Rosedale, Indiana
Default

If the lifter was bad (collapsed) then the lifter would NOT be pushing up on the pushrod and causing the rocker arm to rock downward to open the valve.

You got it backwards.

Looks like just that specific valve that you have marked is just opening because the lobe of the cam is upward against the lifter like it is suppose to be.

What syptoms are you having?

Usually when a lifter fails it will (collapse) which will cause the valve that it operates via the pushrod and rocker arm to not open at all or not as much as it should. Usually its not at all.

A lifter is nothing more than a hydraulic (oil) pump that becomes almost solid with respect to the pushod and its travel. The lifter is pushed upward as the cam lobe spins around and contacts it. When this happens the lifter pushes upward on the pushrod and on the other end of the pushrod it is against a rocker arm and it is caused to rock upward. The opposite end of that rocker arm rocks downward which pushes down on the end of valve stem and opens the valve in the cylinder head.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2011 | 03:12 PM
  #4  
lnuxhakr's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 0
From: The Confederacy
Default

Originally Posted by remauto1187

What syptoms are you having?
Here are the symptoms:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...ing-sound.html
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2011 | 05:19 PM
  #5  
remauto1187's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
From: Rosedale, Indiana
Default

Could be rod knocking, valvetrain problem or exhaust leak. (remote possibility a cracked flywheel or backed out torque converter bolt)

I need to hear it revved up about 300-400rpm more off idle. Then let the throttle snap shut and hear it wind down. You will hear a distinct rat tat tat sound as the rpm drops back toward idle speed if its a rod bearing getting ready to poop on you.

Valvetrain noise you should be able to tell with the valve covers off and engine idling. Get your ear down close and see if its at the top near the rockers or if the noise is deep down inside the motor.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:21 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE