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

Possible bottom end noise after heads cam

Old 05-02-2017, 08:13 PM
  #1  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Possible bottom end noise after heads cam

I believe this is my first post here. If not, it was years ago. Anyways.. I just did a h/c/i on my c5. Stock bottom with 98k. PRC 227cc heads. TSP cam (231/238, 629/629.. or something close to those specs, don't remember exacts off the top of my head). Ls6 intake. Untuned as of now.
I tore the car down, it sat for about 3 months (covered by garage) then finally got around to getting it back together this weekend. It started right up. I ran it thru 3 heat cycles. Changed the oil (oil appeared clean). New oil on dipstick appears clean.
Here is the issue - I have some valvetrain noise (which I knew to be expected).. I also have I believe to be a separate noise. I thought it was an exhaust leak..but after putting a stethoscope on the oil pan, that's where the noise is predominant and there's not much sign of an exhaust leak. There's no codes for knock. There's a code in history of p0300 which is a misfire. Not sure if this is current though or from past..and possibly has nothing to do with this issue. Could a too short push rod cause this noise to radiant from the bottom? I ordered the push rods TSP recommended, but I also checked the length on cylinder 2 for intake and exhaust. One may have been half a turn off when using the comp cam length checker (example:13 turns had a very slight tap, but 13.5 turns did not when checking) I don't feel this would cause a massive difference to where id be hearing this noise. I'll be posting a video tomorrow, but any opinions before then would be great! Thanks!
Old 05-03-2017, 07:31 AM
  #2  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

https://youtu.be/q1qgPVBsVzs

Here is the video. At 1:08 you can hear what I'm talking about, as well as the beginning from in car. You can also hear some of the valve train noise mid video.

This is probably going to get me flamed- but I did not check PTV clearances. Honestly, when I bought everything the guy I was working with at TSP said I had nothing to worry about. In my ignorance, I forgot all about doing it I'm assuming because of his word.

The exact cam specs are 231/237 .629/.629 115lsa with 112 intake centerline. I'm using ls9 head gaskets. As I stated previously, PRC 227cc heads.

I believe the pushrods could POSSIBLY be .025 off.

Thoughts??
Old 05-03-2017, 03:18 PM
  #3  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

A lot of views, no replies. I'm just looking for some opinions or maybe something I'm missing?
Old 05-03-2017, 03:56 PM
  #4  
TECH Senior Member
 
G Atsma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Central Cal.
Posts: 20,862
Received 3,017 Likes on 2,348 Posts
Default

Give it a little more time...
Old 05-03-2017, 05:09 PM
  #5  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Lol sorry just antsy.
Old 05-03-2017, 05:35 PM
  #6  
TECH Addict
 
RockinWs6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

That's too much noise, something is way off. 1st thing is check for tiny air bubbles in the oil. Also how did you determine the push rod length? From the sounds of it I'd say there is air in the oil and most likely the oring is damaged.
Old 05-03-2017, 05:57 PM
  #7  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

There are tiny air bubbles in the oil on the dipstick. Are you talking about the pick up tube o ring? My guage is showing good oil pressure..
Old 05-03-2017, 05:58 PM
  #8  
Staging Lane
 
Dragls's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Sounds valve train related.

Pull the valve covers.
Old 05-03-2017, 05:59 PM
  #9  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I used the push rod length checker from comp. Using this information: Take the # of turns and multiply that number by 0.050” Add 6.80”. (This is the length of the checker) Now add lifter preload* This is your pushrod length
Old 05-03-2017, 06:01 PM
  #10  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Dragls
Sounds valve train related.

Pull the valve covers.
I plan to do that this weekend.
Old 05-03-2017, 06:01 PM
  #11  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RockinWs6
That's too much noise, something is way off. 1st thing is check for tiny air bubbles in the oil. Also how did you determine the push rod length? From the sounds of it I'd say there is air in the oil and most likely the oring is damaged.

There are tiny air bubbles in the oil on the dipstick. Are you talking about the pick up tube o ring? My guage is showing good oil pressure..
Old 05-03-2017, 06:13 PM
  #12  
TECH Senior Member
 
G Atsma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Central Cal.
Posts: 20,862
Received 3,017 Likes on 2,348 Posts
Default

Correct on the O-ring
Old 05-03-2017, 06:16 PM
  #13  
TECH Addict
 
RockinWs6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

Pressure has nothing to do with it. You could have 100psi and if there is air in the oil the engine is going to be noisy. The oring would need to be badly damaged to cause low oil pressure. Air is in the oil because the oring is not sealing well enough to keep it out. That means just a small AIR LEAK, the oring SEALS OUT AIR. I know everyone thinks it seals oil in........that's another lesson for another day.

If your oil is full of air bubbles the oring is letting in a small amount of air. Did you replace the oring?
Old 05-03-2017, 06:22 PM
  #14  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RockinWs6
Pressure has nothing to do with it. You could have 100psi and if there is air in the oil the engine is going to be noisy. The oring would need to be badly damaged to cause low oil pressure. Air is in the oil because the oring is not sealing well enough to keep it out. That means just a small AIR LEAK, the oring SEALS OUT AIR. I know everyone thinks it seals oil in........that's another lesson for another day.

If your oil is full of air bubbles the oring is letting in a small amount of air. Did you replace the oring?
Yes I did. I thought I was careful and had it seated fully. You've been a huge help so far by the way. Should the motor be okay if this is in fact the problem?
Old 05-03-2017, 06:24 PM
  #15  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I also did a ported ls6 oil pump.
Old 05-03-2017, 06:27 PM
  #16  
TECH Addict
 
RockinWs6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

Yes the engine will be fine, but until you correct the oring problem it will be noisy. You gotta go back in and this time be more careful. Probably just a tiny pinch on the oring. Be sure you have the correct oring and soak in in some thing like lucas oil treatment or STP etc. Something that will help it move into place without tearing or pinching.

1st thing is too remove it so you can see the condition and if it is the proper size.
Old 05-03-2017, 06:29 PM
  #17  
TECH Addict
 
RockinWs6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

Did you buy a ported pump? Tell me more about this.
Old 05-03-2017, 06:34 PM
  #18  
TECH Addict
 
RockinWs6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

Another thing do you think its possible you damaged the pickup tube trying to install it? A tiny crack anyplace on the pickup tube will cause the same problem.
Old 05-03-2017, 06:38 PM
  #19  
TECH Addict
 
RockinWs6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

Sorry for all the posts, I would also add a LS Engine Oil Pump Pickup Tube Brace<do a online search or possibly one of the sites sponsors sells them.
Old 05-03-2017, 06:49 PM
  #20  
Teching In
Thread Starter
 
sc6speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RockinWs6
Sorry for all the posts, I would also add a LS Engine Oil Pump Pickup Tube Brace<do a online search or possibly one of the sites sponsors sells them.
Don't apologize! You've been a huge help. I don't believe I damaged it but I'll check what part of it I can. And yes I bought a ported ls6 pump from TSP. It came with 3 o rings.. I used the one that was said to be the equivalent size of factory.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Possible bottom end noise after heads cam



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:40 AM.