Hello,

So my engine recently started knocking out of the blue. It is a higher mileage engine (193,XXX), but has always been well taken care of.

Anyways, I'm not sure if its rod knock or a bearing, but it'* definitely coming from the engine itself. It doesn't start knocking on a cold start until the engine starts to warm up. And then it only really happens at idle, and eventually at low speeds when the rpms are extremely low. At a stoplight, the engine sounds like a diesel. There hasn't been any loss of power since this started and no check engine lights have come on.

Either way, I've come to the conclusion that I can't afford to fix the engine or swap it, so I'm going to try and drive until I blow the engine, literally.

My question is: Are there any minor tweaks I can do to make this engine last just a little bit longer? I know it'* inevitable that she will blow, but I just need it to drive to Colorado from Indiana and that'* it.

I heard that adding a thicker viscosity oil can help with the knock? But does that only help if it'* rod knock and not a bearing? I'm not sure if it'* a bearing or a rod knock. Does anyone know based on my description of the state of the engine?

Thanks.

I would start with a engine compression test and see where it'* at.How is the oil pressure?
Thicker oil may help.. I would throw a blue bottle of stp in there...

I think my oil pressure gauge is broke because it is always at 120. But I've never gotten any CEL saying oil pressure is low or anything.

Heavier oil only hides the noise a little more, and helps nothing. But either way, its not matter of if, but when the engine goes.

I know this, but there'* nothing you can do to make it last a little longer?

Sorry, no there isn't.

Indiana to Colorado is a pretty fair road trip, best advice I could give would be to get AAA or some other road side travel assistance insurance and if the motor does go, your car could get a tow to the boneyard and you a ride to the bus station.

2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS