ShadowLightCSU

iTrader: (1)

So, my engine sounds like a freaking sewing machine. It's an 02 with 5k miles. I was wondering is this normal? My 98 didn't sound like that with the hood up.

emarkay

I'd take it to the dealer - it's under warranty, and don't forget to change the bobbin.

bill99hawk

Any mods? Mine sounds like that too, but I have heads and a high lift cam.

ShadowLightCSU

iTrader: (1)

Exhaust, mostly stock.

So not normal?

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

These cars have more valvetrain noise than normal, but I'd take it in just to be sure. Mine sounds like a sewing machine too, more like a diesel actually.

Mike K.

Mine sounded like a sewing machine after I did a spring swap but my preload was a little bit off. I re-adjusted it and everything was much quieter. I agree with the others though to take it in just in case especially if its under warranty.

IrateTA

iTrader: (4)

stock cams shouldn't sound like the sewing machine aftermarket cam setups. Could you be mistaking it for piston slap?

I agree w/ the others - bring it in just for S's and G's...

JimmyY2KWS6

I agree with IrateTA. Maybe it is piston slap?? Does it sound like this http://www.pistonslap.com/photos.htm ?

Jimmy

jyeager

It's hard to know what you mean by 'sewing machine' but in my mind that's not what piston slap would sound like.
That description brings to mind valvetrain noise to me. The rocker arms are known to lose their needle bearings often enough that I'd have the valve covers pulled.
Done an oil change lately? If you do lose the needle bearings some will often get caught on the magnetic tip of the drain plug.

ShadowLightCSU

iTrader: (1)

There's definitely piston slap when it is cold and relatively warm, when she's real warm it goes away. She sounds like one of those wussy Volkswagen diesels.

It's a lot of valvetrain noise.

02 Pewter LS1

iTrader: (8)

My car also sounded like that when it was cold outside. It was not near as bad when it was warm but still there until the car got up to full operating temp then it went away. After my new cam,springs,pushrods and titanium retainers the noise is gone???
I am not going to complain. I just hear the rumble of the cam and the valvetrain noise of the higher lift cam. Maybe it was a cam lobe not pumping up a lifter?

yellowbird

is your car a 2002 collectors ed t. a.? if it is I have one too. I know exactly what It is , too much too talk about on here. please PM me with a phone # where I can reach you tonight. you will be surprised.!! mike.

web guy

I'm suffering from the pistonslap problem too. I'll check out that site. I found this one too: http://www.gmproblems.com Has soem good info on it, it might help.

The Kiss Guy

Just talked to service, he said to bring mine Monday morning. Not only are they reringing the pistons and checking tolerances, but also installing some kind of baffle in the intake to keep the oil out. So it looks like I may not need a catch can afterall.

josuemarrero

my 98 z28 sounded like a sewing machine after the cam swap also, but i run a bit of unleaded race fuel in the tank with 93 also and the noise is now gone. its a tr 230

The Kiss Guy

I just listened to that page and that's what mine sounds like, but that is rocker noise....I guess the piston slap causes it? Because not only can I hear the rockers, but when I give it some gas to about 2,000 rpms I can hear a lower pitched "thump" lower in the engine where the pistons are.

Either way, I take her tomorrow to have exploratory surgery done, as the service guy said...