LS3 Valvetrain tick
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
LS3 Valvetrain tick Hey everyone! I recently got a little valvetrain noise and am looking for some thoughts.
This motor had a spun rod bearing, so I rebuilt it into a 416 over the winter. I've been driving the car with no issues now for about 4 months.
Here's the valvetrain info:
Texas Speed Stage 4 (F-35) LS3 cam
Texas Speed .660 springs
Texas Speed 7.400" pushrods
CHE Rocker trunnions
Stock LS3 rocker arms
Chevrolet Performance Lifters (88958689)
The heads were done at a local engine shop, so I am not the most knowledgeable when it comes to valvetrain. I just built the bottom end and assembled the whole thing.
I have been told "that amount of noise is normal". I have heard this engine before the tick, so there is something going on.
I have also been told to check my pushrod length, but the rest of the engine sounds good.
My thoughts is that it is either the 4th or 5th rocker on that side of the engine, after using a stethoscope and the slow motion videos listening to the noise.
I don't even know where to begin in diagnosing which part of the valvetrain could be the issue, so any input is really helpful.
There should be some videos attached, I can also upload them from YouTube if that helps.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tqHZ_TcNg2c
This motor had a spun rod bearing, so I rebuilt it into a 416 over the winter. I've been driving the car with no issues now for about 4 months.
Here's the valvetrain info:
Texas Speed Stage 4 (F-35) LS3 cam
Texas Speed .660 springs
Texas Speed 7.400" pushrods
CHE Rocker trunnions
Stock LS3 rocker arms
Chevrolet Performance Lifters (88958689)
The heads were done at a local engine shop, so I am not the most knowledgeable when it comes to valvetrain. I just built the bottom end and assembled the whole thing.
I have been told "that amount of noise is normal". I have heard this engine before the tick, so there is something going on.
I have also been told to check my pushrod length, but the rest of the engine sounds good.
My thoughts is that it is either the 4th or 5th rocker on that side of the engine, after using a stethoscope and the slow motion videos listening to the noise.
I don't even know where to begin in diagnosing which part of the valvetrain could be the issue, so any input is really helpful.
There should be some videos attached, I can also upload them from YouTube if that helps.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tqHZ_TcNg2c
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
Where do I start looking from there? Pull the pushrod and inspect?
I had the head off recently, and the cam looked great, and no lifter rollers had pitting or anything.
I am not ruling out lifters, but I am just not sure how to test that as the culprit.
I had the head off recently, and the cam looked great, and no lifter rollers had pitting or anything.
I am not ruling out lifters, but I am just not sure how to test that as the culprit.
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Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
I don't mind pulling the head again, but I would like to rule out everything else first.
Good rule of thumb is not to make too many changes at once. I'd swap the rocker, OR pushrod, but not both at the same time......
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
I might pull the pushrod right off the bat and check if it is straight and its overall length.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,032
Likes: 661
Since these are the CHE upgraded rocker, Pull the alloy bushing out and look for wear in the rocker arm, bushing and trunnion.
I’ve never heard of a CHE failure, but it might be a good idea to Check since they are a floating design. Piece on mind.
Did you ever replace the OEM rocker trays? Were they actual GM pcs? Also try looking at the springs.
I’ve never heard of a CHE failure, but it might be a good idea to Check since they are a floating design. Piece on mind.
Did you ever replace the OEM rocker trays? Were they actual GM pcs? Also try looking at the springs.