"Quiet" tapping after a hard pull

[metrogdor22]

On my way to work this morning, a 6th gen V6 pulled up next to me and got into it a little. As luck would have it, we both caught a red light next to each other. We both took off at a spirited pace, yada yada you know the drill.

When I parked, I could hear a faint tapping noise from my engine bay. I popped the hood and it's definitely a bit louder on the drivers side, but isn't distinctly louder than all of the other ticks and taps a cammed LS3 with thin-walled longtubes makes. I can only pick it out from the background noise by its regularity and being a hair louder than the other ticks. It's almost drowned out by the fan. It seems to disappear when I give it a little gas, but that could have something to do with no cats and straight-through mufflers.

Now, be nice, but I've never heard an engine with a knock or lifter tick in person. I was under the impression that either of those are noticeably louder than all of the other sewing machine noises LS' make. Does this sound like a problem?

[Olddudesrule]

How long have you owned the car? Would give us an idea of how likely it is that you're just not used to the normal noised a LS3 makes. That said, over the internet you're gonna get everything from "it's normal" to "take the valve covers off and inspect".....you're gonna have to decide what risk you're willing to take. If it's grown louder after a high rpm run, that it very well may be a damaged rocker arm, or something else in the valve train going bad.

Ball in your court......

[metrogdor22]

Originally Posted by Olddudesrule

How long have you owned the car? Would give us an idea of how likely it is that you're just not used to the normal noised a LS3 makes. That said, over the internet you're gonna get everything from "it's normal" to "take the valve covers off and inspect".....you're gonna have to decide what risk you're willing to take. If it's grown louder after a high rpm run, that it very well may be a damaged rocker arm, or something else in the valve train going bad.

Ball in your court......

Thank you. I've had the car for about 6 months now. I bought it at 13k miles and now have almost 19k. If I pull the valve covers, what should I look for?

[metrogdor22]

Here's a link to the sound:

https://streamable.com/68qlx

It's a little hard to hear, which may mean it's not a problem. It's between a tap and a woosh.

[frankwjr]

when you pull the valve cover if there is a problem could either be the spring broke, the rocker trunnion can fail...less common would be a bent push rod or failing lifter..


just compare everything and a problem hopefully will be obvious...take pics....good luck!


peace


btw - make sure your header bolts are tight!

[Rock-It Man]

So you've had the car for 6 months. Is this your first time with the car in hot weather?

My valve train always ticks a bit more on hot days after a long drive.

[metrogdor22]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

So you've had the car for 6 months. Is this your first time with the car in hot weather?

My valve train always ticks a bit more on hot days after a long drive.

It has been hotter recently and I've noticed my oil temperature gauge sitting a little higher than it used to. I'll try to get around to pulling the valve covers soon and update this thread.

I haven't seen any good guides to pulling LS3 valve covers though. Is it just popping the spark plug boots off and unbolting them?

[cypressh]

To pull off your valve covers, take off the plastic engine cover, remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs(or the coils) remove the coil bracket (10mm) and then loosen the 4 8mm bolts holding the valve covers on, that faintly sounds like the tapping i heard when my lifter flat spotted.

[metrogdor22]

I pulled the drivers side valve cover and everything looked and felt fine. Any tips for pulling the passenger side? There's a lot of wiring and lines running over it.