When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Wondering what this noise may be from? Removed the drive belts and no change so it isn't coming from any belt driven accessory. I don't drive this much and not sure exactly when this started, but hasn't been too long (less than 30 miles?). Was suggested it was lifter(s) but it's not a rhythmic tick unless it's more than one where the bad ones aren't noisy 100%. Maybe a bad lifter tray affecting multiple lifters? Getting ready to pull the rocker covers and start looking around. Posted on G8 forum, but not much insight... probably will need to pull the heads to see what the lifters/cam look like.
Noise increases with RPM and sounds to me like its valvetrain related so drain the oil and cut open the filter for inspection. Have you been able to isolate what side the noise is coming from?
Regarding cutting open the filter... Watched a video online where they, drained the oil filter, used a tool like a large pipe cutter to cut the top off and removed a cross section of the media for inspection. Would using a hacksaw to cut through the end of the filter work without contaminating the media too much or do you really need to use one of the filter cutting tools?
Regarding cutting open the filter... Watched a video online where they, drained the oil filter, used a tool like a large pipe cutter to cut the top off and removed a cross section of the media for inspection. Would using a hacksaw to cut through the end of the filter work without contaminating the media too much or do you really need to use one of the filter cutting tools?
"The right tool makes the job much easier, but can also be accomplished in other ways."
I saw another video where they used tin snips which looked like a good alternative to buying another tool!
When checking the garage I found an exhaust pipe cutter with cutting wheels that will fit over the filter so that should work perfectly. Also getting a Blackstone oil test kit and will send off an oil sample.
I'll start it up one more time for a quick listen with a mechanics stethoscope and see if I can find the general area of the noise.
Now just need to get to it, hopefully by the weekend I'll have the filter cut open and see what's there!
Thanks for the replies!
Last edited by vegas_ss; Jun 15, 2022 at 02:05 PM.
Reason: Updated
I've used snips to cut them open before and there will be plenty of media to inspect if you chose to cut it open with a hacksaw but I personally wouldn't.
Finally had time to get back to this, pulled the heads, lifters and rockers looked OK with no noticeable damage, cam looks ok from an initial inspection but need to look more closely. Cut open the oil filter and that looks bad! Is there any reason to get an oil analysis to see what the material is or just pull the motor and have it gone through? I haven't pulled the timing cover yet and was wondering if it is using the spring type chain tensioner and the nylon (or whatever it is) fell off, would the metal spring contacting the chain cause this?
Oil filter always tells all secrets. If those particles are magnetic, you’ve got a cam or lifter/valvetrain issue. If they are non-magnetic then it’s a bearing. Either way, your tearing it down. I would forego the oil analysis.
Oil filter always tells all secrets. If those particles are magnetic, you’ve got a cam or lifter/valvetrain issue. If they are non-magnetic then it’s a bearing. Either way, your tearing it down. I would forego the oil analysis.
Yup, if there's carrots in your oil soup, no need to ask Bugs Bunny to identify. (DONT ASK!)......
Removed the cam and can see damage on some of the lobes. I'm not really sure on the cam bearings as they do show wear, the cam journals look alright to me, but again I'm a novice. Here are some pics and a couple videos (not real good)... Both videos start from the back of the motor and the camera was tuned 180* between. Thanks...
At the point of either replacing the cam/lifters etc... or pulling the motor. Motor has ~120k and was running fine, then the noise started. What causing this type of wear/damage on the cam? Had good oil pressure and was maintained well as far as I know regarding oil changes with quality synthetic 5-30w.
Noticed two of the lobes were trashed and I'm sure there's some lifter damage but at least now you have a reason for some upgrades.
yes. I noticed a few lifter wheels were scared on the pic. I would still check under the rocker arms to be sure there isn’t any issues. Check the rockers real good.
Why was only four lifters shown? I agree with the heads being checked out to verify that there's no issues and that you also have the correct length push rods when going back together. If the retainers and rocker arms was the issue then you'd see damage on all of them and it would be making even more engine noise. I'd be concerned if any metal had made its way to places it shouldn't have and now the engine needs to be completely tore down and everything thoroughly cleaned before re-assembly.
Personally if it were me I'd rebuild the engine with better rods and pistons. The stock ones don't owe you anything and I'd hate to see another LS1 block go to waste due to a rod letting go.
Last edited by 01CamaroSSTx; Nov 20, 2022 at 09:53 AM.
Why was only four lifters shown? I agree with the heads being checked out to verify that there's no issues and that you also have the correct length push rods when going back together. If the retainers and rocker arms was the issue then you'd see damage on all of them and it would be making even more engine noise. I'd be concerned if any metal had made its way to places it shouldn't have and now the engine needs to be completely tore down and everything thoroughly cleaned before re-assembly.
Personally if it were me I'd rebuild the engine with better rods and pistons. The stock ones don't owe you anything and I'd hate to see another LS1 block go to waste due to a rod letting go.
When I posted the pics of the lifters I was expecting to see more damage to cause the engine noise and they all looked the same so didn't post the rest. The lifters with lines feel smooth and all roll smoothly. Once I got the cam out and saw the damage I took a closer look at the lifters and see slight damage on one.
On the fence about pulling the motor and will probably just do the cam/lifters/heads and see how it runs. Was running well until the noise started, but you couldn't notice any issues and only first noticed the noise when the window was down backing out of the garage and pretty much parked it. Just been sitting for a few months until lately got around to working on it and seeing the issues causing the engine noise.
Noise in the video sounds like a lifter turned 90 degrees and destroyed the 5th lobe counting from the timing gear. Definitely time for new cam and lifters at least. Those cam bearings are destroyed also. I'd do a complete overhaul because those chips went through the whole engine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Engine Noise 
