Lifter noise?

**The Machinist** · 02-09-2013, 05:03 PM

I have a question for ya'll. When I first start my car in the morning the engine makes no weird noises. But as it begins to warm up, say two or three minutes after start up I hear a ticking which sounds more like valvtrain rather than piston slap. this doesn't seem to be a characteristic of piston slap anyways. Once the engine is at full operating temp the noise disappears. Is this normal? I don't get much time to dink around under the hood so pulling the vc's is out of the question right now. The reason I ask is my dad heard the noise and said it sounded like a collapsed lifter. But I have owned the car two years and put 7000 miles on it and it's made this noise since the day I bought it. Any input?

**2002ssslp** · 02-09-2013, 05:33 PM

Post a video of the noise at different stages. How many miles are on the ODO ? Give us more details when you post. Thanks.

**The Machinist** · 02-09-2013, 06:30 PM

I can post tomorrow. I have 79xxx on the clock.

**Nutball** · 02-13-2013, 05:57 PM

I didn't want to start another thread because I seem to have the same problem. But I can describe the sound.....to me, it sounds like a "spark knock"/ noisey valve train. Very noticeable at start up, goes away when shes warmed up....... till I put it in gear, and then I only hear it from first into second. Even after she heats up to full temp, every-now-and-again I hear it going first into second. I've tried Seafoam, and every gas station from Shell to Mobile to the lil corner gas station. Still have that noise. Now here's the info on the car. 2001 WS9 Formula/TA. Bought last Dec with 24k miles. I got the Carfax and the first 2 owners did very little driving.The first owner put 15k in 5 years. Second owner had it 6 years put 3k miles. The last owner had it for 8 months put roughly 5-6k. Im not that worried, but it's very annoying, has even kept me from putting my foot into it.....Most of the time.
Any comments would be appreciated

**35th-ANV-SS** · 02-14-2013, 07:07 PM

Noise coming from the motor can be one of several things depending on many numerous factors. Unfortunately, it's difficult to access something like this over the internet, even with a video since 99% of videos have poor to terrible sound quality.

Noises like you describe though are typically one of the following: piston slap, a stuck lifter, bent push rod from over-revving, or the worst - spun bearing. It could even be a spark plug arcing or an exhaust leak.

**Nutball** · 02-14-2013, 07:31 PM

I've heard this sound before when I owned a "73 LT Camaro, and it was an easy fix......Adjust the timing and/or change to a cold plug. And it's only when I go from first into second, after that...nothing.
Since I cant adjust anything, figured I'd ask someone more familiar with this type of engine.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 02-14-2013, 07:55 PM

Not sure what would change when you put the car in gear. As far as the actual engine, everything would be working the same regardless of what gear you were in. The only difference would be that your clutch has engaged with the flywheel.

**The Machinist** · 02-15-2013, 03:49 PM

I'm pretty sure it isn't a spun bearing since I have owned it over 2 yrs and have revved the piss out of it numerous times:-) although the bent push rod would most likely be the culprit lol

**Nutball** · 02-15-2013, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

Not sure what would change when you put the car in gear. As far as the actual engine, everything would be working the same regardless of what gear you were in. The only difference would be that your clutch has engaged with the flywheel.

What I mean is, putting the initial load on the engine. That's when I hear it the worst/loudest.
And, it's auto, not manual. But that's the best way for me to describe when it happens. Sorry I didn't clarify that sooner.

**Blue28** · 02-16-2013, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by The Machinist

I have a question for ya'll. When I first start my car in the morning the engine makes no weird noises. But as it begins to warm up, say two or three minutes after start up I hear a ticking which sounds more like valvtrain rather than piston slap. this doesn't seem to be a characteristic of piston slap anyways. Once the engine is at full operating temp the noise disappears. Is this normal? I don't get much time to dink around under the hood so pulling the vc's is out of the question right now. The reason I ask is my dad heard the noise and said it sounded like a collapsed lifter. But I have owned the car two years and put 7000 miles on it and it's made this noise since the day I bought it. Any input?

Have you tried using a different brand of oil?

**The Machinist** · 02-16-2013, 02:28 PM

I have tried mobil 1 5w30/10w30 and 0w40 (hated it) and now pp 5w30. Non made any difference except 0w30 made the engine loud on cold start

**The Machinist** · 02-16-2013, 06:29 PM

I took a video. If you listen closely you can hear it. http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/Fbodymadness/20130216_170803_zpsf21a4859.mp4