engine making nasty noises
#1
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
engine making nasty noises
I have a mechanical rattle (louder than a ticking noise) coming from the top end of my engine. It varies directly with engine RPM. Based on my stethoscope it sounds like the front right cylinder (passenger side, next to rad). I noticed it once the weather got cold. It goes away once the car warms up, which I assume is related to oil flow.
If I pull the rocker cover is there a chance I will be able to see something loose, broken or out of place? Is that the logical first step? I was considering putting in 5W30 (instead of the 10W30 I currently use) to increase cold engine oil flow, but that would obviously only mask the problem, not fix it.
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Happy New Year everyone.
If I pull the rocker cover is there a chance I will be able to see something loose, broken or out of place? Is that the logical first step? I was considering putting in 5W30 (instead of the 10W30 I currently use) to increase cold engine oil flow, but that would obviously only mask the problem, not fix it.
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Happy New Year everyone.
#2
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Could you steth the lower end of the cylinder block? Does it get louder lower or higher?
There is always a possibility that if you remove the valve cover it might uncover an issue. You might have a lifter or rod clogged, etc. Maybe it'* time for a god old Seafoam treatment and an oil change to 5w30.
There is always a possibility that if you remove the valve cover it might uncover an issue. You might have a lifter or rod clogged, etc. Maybe it'* time for a god old Seafoam treatment and an oil change to 5w30.
#4
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
Kevin, I'm pretty sure its coming from the top end.
Kevin and Dan, I like the Seafoam idea. I'll pick up a can tomorrow, throw it in, and change the oil next weekend with 5W30. How many miles are you supposed to drive with Seafoam in the crankcase before changing the oil?
Kevin and Dan, I like the Seafoam idea. I'll pick up a can tomorrow, throw it in, and change the oil next weekend with 5W30. How many miles are you supposed to drive with Seafoam in the crankcase before changing the oil?
#6
Senior Member
True Car Nut
#7
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
It does sound like a lifter or pushrod is leaking down. Hopefully the seafoam clears it up. If not, holler...I usually have a spare set of lifters etc laying around.
#8
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Thread Starter
The seafoam treatment and lighter oil (5W30) seemed to improve it to the point where I did not have to leave the block heater plugged in overnight to keep the engine warm for start up, but in the last couple of days the rattle has returned.
In summary:
I find by keeping the block heater plugged in overnight the engine either starts with no rattle, or the rattle goes away in a few seconds. I am hoping this will keep things going until the weather gets warmer so I can work on this without freezing my azz off.
In summary:
- mechanical rattle coming from the top of the right (passenger) forward cylinder
- only rattles when engine is cold, goes away if I let it idle for a few minutes
I find by keeping the block heater plugged in overnight the engine either starts with no rattle, or the rattle goes away in a few seconds. I am hoping this will keep things going until the weather gets warmer so I can work on this without freezing my azz off.