Couple of Questions - 2010 SS - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

StlRomAniaN · 04-01-2020, 11:21 PM

Hey all! I hope you all are healthy and safe out there. I thought I'd give you something to read and hopefully I can get some feedback.

I started noticing white spots on my engine block. Is this aluminum's version of rust? If so, what can I do about it? I started parking it outside last March.
I'm noticing heavier ticking coming from the driver side. I know ticking is normal for these engines, but maybe not to this extent. I noticed that the spark plug wire/shield of the driver side cylinder closest to the firewall is shaking. I've attached a couple of videos for reference.

What are your thoughts on both concerns?

Video links:
- https://youtu.be/uA37rCR6rGU
- https://youtu.be/OFquLaByuqE

0stones0 · 04-02-2020, 04:42 AM

On aluminum it’s called, exfoliation. Most of that should brush off.

The spark plug shield moving could be that it’s just a little looser than the others on the plug. Did you check to see if the plug itself is loose?

Greenhornet2 · 04-02-2020, 06:25 AM

That whole plug boot and shield is moving, either it's loose on the spark plug or your spark plug is loose. Spark plug being loose can also cause a tick, and a misfire. Pull that boot off and check the plug. Tip for old spark plug wires if you don't want to buy new ones. Grab the rubber boot and twist until it breaks free then you can pull it off. They sell a plug wire pair of pliers cheap if you can't twist it by hand. Check your header bolts and retorque if needed.

Bigdumogre · 04-02-2020, 07:26 AM

Looks like a loose wire, because if the plug was that loose it probably would of blown out with all the pressure behind it. If it is the spark plug i would replace it and recheck to make sure the threads are good

StlRomAniaN · 04-02-2020, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0stones0

On aluminum it’s called, exfoliation. Most of that should brush off.

The spark plug shield moving could be that it’s just a little looser than the others on the plug. Did you check to see if the plug itself is loose?

Thanks for the information. I'm going to brush it off today since we have nice weather. I honestly think it's from spraying belt conditioner on the belts. I may have forgotten the engine was warm...

I'm going to check the spark plug itself while I'm out there as well to ensure it's seated properly.

StlRomAniaN · 04-02-2020, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenhornet2

That whole plug boot and shield is moving, either it's loose on the spark plug or your spark plug is loose. Spark plug being loose can also cause a tick, and a misfire. Pull that boot off and check the plug. Tip for old spark plug wires if you don't want to buy new ones. Grab the rubber boot and twist until it breaks free then you can pull it off. They sell a plug wire pair of pliers cheap if you can't twist it by hand. Check your header bolts and retorque if needed.

Thank you! Are header bolts one-time use, or are they able to be re-torqued? They're getting a bit rusty now too...

StlRomAniaN · 04-02-2020, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdumogre

Looks like a loose wire, because if the plug was that loose it probably would of blown out with all the pressure behind it. If it is the spark plug i would replace it and recheck to make sure the threads are good

That's what I'm thinking. I'll check the plug and its threads to make sure that is good at least. I couldn't touch much yesterday because the headers were a bit toasty. lol.

InFiD3ViL · 04-02-2020, 01:02 PM

I have also seen that if a caustic cleaner that is not really suited for aluminum is used. Certain degreasers and such. As 0stone0 said, it is easily removable. Maybe that was from road salt?

Anyhow, your engine sounds like a healthy LS to me. Check that plug though.

StlRomAniaN · 04-02-2020, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I have also seen that if a caustic cleaner that is not really suited for aluminum is used. Certain degreasers and such. As 0stone0 said, it is easily removable.

Glad to hear! Have to keep the engine looking good!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Badbubba · 04-02-2020, 01:08 PM

The aluminum on my daily driven, outside kept, vehicles look like that. Hopefully the threads aren't worn or damaged from what appears to be a loose plug. Replace with new plug.

InFiD3ViL · 04-02-2020, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StlRomAniaN

Glad to hear! Have to keep the engine looking good!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely check that spark plug though.

myold88 · 04-02-2020, 01:14 PM

As far as the engine ticking goes change your oil frequently to keep it clean.
I've done 16 oil changes in 11 years and 61,000 miles on my early SS L99,
and I've never heard a sound from my engine. You can never change your
oil to often imo.

Greenhornet2 · 04-02-2020, 01:31 PM

You can retorque header bolts. As far as the aluminum i haven't heard it called exfoliation. I've always called it oxidation, but i could be wrong. It's normal. You can clean it and paint it to keep it pretty.

StlRomAniaN · 04-02-2020, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenhornet2

You can retorque header bolts. As far as the aluminum i haven't heard it called exfoliation. I've always called it oxidation, but i could be wrong. It's normal. You can clean it and paint it to keep it pretty.

That's what I originally thought as well. Thanks for the clarification.

04-01-2020, 11:21 PM	#1
StlRomAniaN Drives: IOM 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 1,782 View My Garage	Couple of Questions - 2010 SS Hey all! I hope you all are healthy and safe out there. I thought I'd give you something to read and hopefully I can get some feedback. I started noticing white spots on my engine block. Is this aluminum's version of rust? If so, what can I do about it? I started parking it outside last March. I'm noticing heavier ticking coming from the driver side. I know ticking is normal for these engines, but maybe not to this extent. I noticed that the spark plug wire/shield of the driver side cylinder closest to the firewall is shaking. I've attached a couple of videos for reference. What are your thoughts on both concerns? Video links: - https://youtu.be/uA37rCR6rGU - https://youtu.be/OFquLaByuqE Attached Images __________________ Last edited by StlRomAniaN; 04-01-2020 at 11:26 PM. Reason: Adding Links

04-02-2020, 04:42 AM	#2
0stones0 It don’t come easy. Drives: 2010 2SS RS M6 Join Date: May 2014 Location: WI Posts: 2,203 View My Garage	On aluminum it’s called, exfoliation. Most of that should brush off. The spark plug shield moving could be that it’s just a little looser than the others on the plug. Did you check to see if the plug itself is loose? __________________

04-02-2020, 06:25 AM	#3
Greenhornet2 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS LS3 Whipple Join Date: May 2019 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,925	That whole plug boot and shield is moving, either it's loose on the spark plug or your spark plug is loose. Spark plug being loose can also cause a tick, and a misfire. Pull that boot off and check the plug. Tip for old spark plug wires if you don't want to buy new ones. Grab the rubber boot and twist until it breaks free then you can pull it off. They sell a plug wire pair of pliers cheap if you can't twist it by hand. Check your header bolts and retorque if needed. __________________ Whipple 2.9 CAI ID1050x injectors ZL1 Pump JRE FPCM JMS Voltage booster JRE Rough Idle blower cam BTR .660 springs CHE trunnion kit 1 7/8 Speed Engineering Borla Atak JRE scoop 1.5" lowering springs BMR trailing arms and toe links Cradle inserts 704WHP 603WTQ 93 octane

04-02-2020, 07:26 AM	#4
Bigdumogre Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: New York Posts: 1,434	Looks like a loose wire, because if the plug was that loose it probably would of blown out with all the pressure behind it. If it is the spark plug i would replace it and recheck to make sure the threads are good __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS - CSP Custom Cam 232/240 .615/.615 113 +3, Texas speed CNC heads, FTI billet triple disc converter, K&N cai, Katech ported TB, GPI Ported/rod modded manifold, Texas speed 1 7/8 headers, HFC, Flowmaster 2 chambers with x pipe, Mishimoto CC, MSD wires, Roto fab washer relocation, tru cool 40k trans cooler, apex scoop, Pedders extreme coil overs and much more!!

04-02-2020, 01:02 PM	#8
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,574	I have also seen that if a caustic cleaner that is not really suited for aluminum is used. Certain degreasers and such. As 0stone0 said, it is easily removable. Maybe that was from road salt? Anyhow, your engine sounds like a healthy LS to me. Check that plug though. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

04-02-2020, 01:08 PM	#10
Badbubba GrINned & JUICEd Drives: 15STI, 10Expy, 10 2SS/RS M6, 47KB1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,247	The aluminum on my daily driven, outside kept, vehicles look like that. Hopefully the threads aren't worn or damaged from what appears to be a loose plug. Replace with new plug. __________________ GPI SS3 Cam & stuff,N.O. Plate(dedicated fuel tank,progressive,fuel hose upgrade,remote opener,heater,console switches),LNC2000,CTAP,ARH 1 7/8" LTs/gutted cats/X pipe/mufflers,Jet Hot coated LTs,GPI HPT Tune,CAI, Scoop,Rx Catch Can,Gates heater hose relocation, Remote clutch & auto brake res,Metco loop,Momentum Tunnel Brace,TSW Nurb 18",555 & 05,Pfadt trailing arms & toe rods,Autometer WB,Fesler Pillar Pod,LED strips (int),Lloyds floor & trunk mats,LED DRL/front turn & license plate,DRL harness,VLEDs tail lights,Plasticoat Bowties. Ord: Oct 5, 2009 Rec: Nov 19, 2009 13.17@112.6 stock

04-02-2020, 01:14 PM	#12
myold88 Drives: SUMMIT WHITE 2SS/RS CAMARO Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 2018: Lakewood Ranch, Fl. Posts: 8,112 View My Garage	As far as the engine ticking goes change your oil frequently to keep it clean. I've done 16 oil changes in 11 years and 61,000 miles on my early SS L99, and I've never heard a sound from my engine. You can never change your oil to often imo. __________________

04-02-2020, 01:31 PM	#13
Greenhornet2 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS LS3 Whipple Join Date: May 2019 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,925	You can retorque header bolts. As far as the aluminum i haven't heard it called exfoliation. I've always called it oxidation, but i could be wrong. It's normal. You can clean it and paint it to keep it pretty. __________________ Whipple 2.9 CAI ID1050x injectors ZL1 Pump JRE FPCM JMS Voltage booster JRE Rough Idle blower cam BTR .660 springs CHE trunnion kit 1 7/8 Speed Engineering Borla Atak JRE scoop 1.5" lowering springs BMR trailing arms and toe links Cradle inserts 704WHP 603WTQ 93 octane