Got a 93 olds 88 (98k miles) that had a ticking sound on morning start up. Sound went away after 4 seconds. Three miles down road car began to run rough with louder ticking possibly a knock.Slight loss of power. Drove home. Car stalled once at traffic light but started back up. No check engine light, no smoke, no fluid loss, no overheating. Oil seems to look ok to my untrained eye.
I don't know what a blown engine, thrown rod or piston slap sounds like but am told these are possiblities. Any chance its something different/less expensive?

As always, I appreciated your knowledge.

Joe

Rev the engine, does it knock more as the RPMs drop? Could be a bad rod bearing. Is the knock lower in the engine or higher up?

Thread moved to proper mechanical section

bad or clogged lifters and valve train stuff usually sounds more like a tick and lower end has more of a clank sound.

I have a video of a lower knock, I'll try to post it up when I get home.

It sounds more like a tap or loud tick. Definitely not a clank. Seems to be higher up. With a stethescope on the valve cover it is more prevelant over cylinders 4 and 6 (middle and left side closest to firewall/drivers side). Imagine a really loud fuel injector. Atleast thats what it sounds like to my untrained ear. Can't reallly tell if it changes as rpm'* drop. Got something dripping on the exhaust manifold (coming from cyl. 4) Can't tell exactly where it'* coming from or what it is. Probably oil?. No smoke from tail pipe. Oil level, coolant level ok. Hope this description helps.

Joe

OK, this is rod knock.


If it'* coming from the back of the engine, perhaps it'* a exhaust leak. These can sound like a tap.

After starting it again today, it does sound more like a loud clank. Inconstisant though. Tap,tap,.....tap,tap,tap......tap.....tap,tap,tap. Along with an inconsistant squeak. Definitely from the back of the engine over 4 & 6. More over 6.
I have no idea what that image is Dan.

Joe

Click on the image, it'* a video.

I tell ya what just for the sake of it grab your serpetine belt and see if it will move freely.Try to turn it.(with the engine off) and if it moves and you hear a clank clank sound its a Harmonic balancer or loose/missing torque convertor bolts