nbs lq9

I have a LQ9 out of a 2003 escalade. recently I have been having a problem where a lifter on cylinder 2 is making a annoying noise. It almost sounds as though it is partially collapsing. No metal to metal. The engine has comp cam trunion upgrade kit as well as cro-moly 7.400 pushrods as well.The oil pressure is 40 psi idle and 58 going down the road. I don't know if it is related but the oil pressure will fluctuate slightly while cruising down the road with cruise on by a few PSI up and down. If you run the engine hard the lifter goes completely quite and behaves. It only makes noise when you drive the truck normally. I'm at my wits end, any help would be much appreciated.

Engine has 74k on it.
running 5w 30 with an AC pf59 (old style metal core filter)


Any question just ask.

nbs lq9

Its the noise in the video that sounds like hitting your finger against wood, a little louder in person

RockinWs6

That doesn't sound like any lifter noise I've ever heard. Is it in front of the engine? Is this engine stock? Does it have the AIR system?

nbs lq9

Engine is completely stock except for valve train upgrades listed and it does not have the AIR system

nbs lq9

and yes it's at the very front right next to the throttle body

RockinWs6

Sounds like the cam bolts may have backed out and are hitting the frt cover.

02WSsicks

iTrader: (6)

check rocker arm bolts

nbs lq9

What about the cross over plate for the oil galleries that feed the lifters letting air in to the lifter closest to it?

Tearing into it on Christmas so trying to gather all possibilities.

RockinWs6

Pull the valve covers and look at everything. Like sicks says could be loose bolts or a bend push rod. If not it maybe those cam bolts.

nbs lq9

I'll try that tonight and report back

nbs lq9

The water pump has a small bit of play in it and is rocking back and forth which was making the noise. Very strange because it isn't leaking.

RockinWs6

Lucky You.....easy fix fur shore. Always best to look at the obvious 1st.

nbs lq9

All too true, I've had my fair share of unlucky lifter noises. Last one ended with 3 flat cam lobes