Lifters Ticking

GAGT7386 · 04-09-2005, 06:51 AM

I just started to notice that my lifters were starting to like tick or click while I am sitting at idle. Nothing really bad I guess but kind of annoying ... any ways to cure this?

ChrisB · 04-09-2005, 07:46 AM

Just started? Does it clear up after the car warms up? I have the problem with my 02 3.4, the dealer said it wasn't a valve issue and that it's the type of ring set thats used in the engine. If it's the valves, maybe an adjustment/tightening chore ahead...

SilverGAGT04 · 04-09-2005, 04:20 PM

It is called piston slap... it is normal and nothing gets rid of it.

GAGT7386 · 04-09-2005, 09:30 PM

Hmm... alright cuz it when I unscrew the oil cap and watch as the engine idles the clickin' goes right along with the movement. so it is now another new permanent sound with my good old pontiac

IMICEMAN · 04-11-2005, 11:41 AM

Ahhhh, so THAT's what's causing the sound.
For me it sounds kinda like a deisel engine when I floor it - like a ticking/clicking/gurgling noise from the engine.
It never "used" to do that, but I do remember that on my previous car, the same thing happened after about 4 yrs or so.
If it is normal and there's no fix for it, then I'll just have to live with it.

Ridenour · 04-11-2005, 02:25 PM

Pour a can of seafoam into your oil. It's a really effective carbon remover, and may help lessen the tick somewhat.

skyguard · 04-11-2005, 05:45 PM

My 2001 3.4 V6 started doing this over a year ago, even when the engine is hot she still ticks, but once in a while on cold days or winter the ticking sounds like a diesel. I also noticed that when it does it that loud I can hear it in the exhaust sputering. That tells me its a lifter for one of the exhaust valve. I will try an oil conditioner to clean up any residue that may prevent the lifter at keeping its charge, if that don't work I may end up replacing the lifters.

GAGT7386 · 04-12-2005, 07:16 PM

So is this something I need to get looked at or not? From what skyguard makes it sound, it sounds like I might have to have my lifters replaced?

xdiego16x · 04-17-2005, 03:15 PM

Does it sound anything like this?
http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=ga_knock
My car has been doing it for quite some time, very annoying

GAGT7386 · 04-17-2005, 07:13 PM

no mine isn't that loud. it is just like a slighty clicking noise not to loud but noticable for someone who pays close attention to my car

stangdude · 04-17-2005, 09:10 PM

i agree with silvergagt04, mine's an 02 with the 3.4 and I noticed that it was ticking on startup, but after it warmed up to operating temps, it was fine. I asked the dealer about it when I was in for warr work and they said it was normal on most 3.4s and is nothing to worry about. They even fired a new one up in the showroom to show me it does it too.

EASTERBUNNY · 04-18-2005, 04:59 AM

That Sounds Like The Timing Chain 2.4 Quads Are Notorious For Toming Chain Tensioner Going Out On Them The Later Model Q4's Have A Hydraulic Tensioner On Them At Idle Oil Pressure Drops And Then You Have More Slack In Your Chain , I Would Look Into This Asap Because If It Jumps Time It Will Bend All Of Your Exhaust Valves

xdiego16x · 04-18-2005, 01:31 PM

The tensioner thing makes sense, cuz a while back me and a friend changed out the water pump, and when we got it all put together, I noticed one of the tensioners was still sitting on the table. He said "it's nothing that you need" and threw it away. I think he was just too lazy to take it all apart again.

skyguard · 04-18-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xdiego16x

Does it sound anything like this?
http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=ga_knock
My car has been doing it for quite some time, very annoying

No, it doesn't sound like that, I agree with the timing chain, especialy if your missing one tensioner or part of it. right now the chain is flapping around like crazy.

skyguard · 04-18-2005, 07:07 PM

OK,
I've added a bottle of oil detergent (CD2) that I got from Canadian Tire, the ticking is still there but less obvious. The loud diesel like sound has not come back, winter is over now (finally). will make an oil change. Will keep it like this, and wait for next winter, if it doesn't come back, were good to go. If not, I may replace the lifters. Will watch and shoot.

Dan

Jason E · 04-18-2005, 07:33 PM

Typically, piston slap is a cold-engine-only phenomenon. My LT1 does it, and my dad's old '02 TrailBlazer did it as well...come to think of it, my old '02 GA GT did it too. Its a common thing in GM and Ford engines, and indeed is nothing to worry about...

But piston slap only occurs when an engine is COLD. All of these cars did not do it when warm. The '99+ Silverado/Tahoe V8s do it horribly. I've worked for a dealer for 5 years now, and we recently took in on trade a '00 Silverado 2500 with a 6.0 with 100k on it...it sounded like a diesel when cold, and evened right out when warm.

Are you sure it isn't the injectors ticking? My GA did that too...that's normal though.

GrahamKracka · 04-18-2005, 07:35 PM

GM is notorious for piston slap

04-09-2005, 06:51 AM	#1
GAGT7386 Stock & Proud Of It! AKA: Trason Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hudsonville, MI Age: 26 Posts: 433 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT	Lifters Ticking I just started to notice that my lifters were starting to like tick or click while I am sitting at idle. Nothing really bad I guess but kind of annoying ... any ways to cure this? __________________ PLESE STOP DOMESTIC ABUSE by saying no to all of the following: aluminium spoilers, large chrome exhaust, APC and NOS stickers, engulfing vinyl, hyperwhites, cut springs, stock black hoods on other color cars, steelies, $hit body kits that dont flow. We own domestic, lets act like it!

04-09-2005, 04:20 PM	#3
SilverGAGT04 GAGT - Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 30 Posts: 158 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Am GT Sedan	It is called piston slap... it is normal and nothing gets rid of it. __________________ I am a Pontiac auto tech driving a 2004 Grand Am GT 4 Door, stock...so far...

04-09-2005, 09:30 PM	#4
GAGT7386 Stock & Proud Of It! AKA: Trason Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hudsonville, MI Age: 26 Posts: 433 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT	Hmm... alright cuz it when I unscrew the oil cap and watch as the engine idles the clickin' goes right along with the movement. so it is now another new permanent sound with my good old pontiac __________________ PLESE STOP DOMESTIC ABUSE by saying no to all of the following: aluminium spoilers, large chrome exhaust, APC and NOS stickers, engulfing vinyl, hyperwhites, cut springs, stock black hoods on other color cars, steelies, $hit body kits that dont flow. We own domestic, lets act like it!

04-11-2005, 11:41 AM	#5
IMICEMAN 28.06.42.12 AKA: Kent Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 133 Vehicle: 2001 GAGT (White)	Ahhhh, so THAT's what's causing the sound. For me it sounds kinda like a deisel engine when I floor it - like a ticking/clicking/gurgling noise from the engine. It never "used" to do that, but I do remember that on my previous car, the same thing happened after about 4 yrs or so. If it is normal and there's no fix for it, then I'll just have to live with it. __________________ MODS: Borla Exhaust, 20% Tinted Windows, GrafxWerks Reflective Overlays, Mille Miglia Emotion II PLUS 17x8 RIMS (5x114.3, +40mm Offset) with Bridgestone Fuzion ZRi 245/40wr17 tires, EBC Sport Grooved/Dimpled Front/Rear Rotors, EBC Greenstuff Pads, Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines, Dr.Speed Stage 3 CAI, and TOG Exhaust Headers, and NOW, a Brullen High Flow Catalytic Converter. DO IT the day after yesterday !!

04-11-2005, 05:45 PM	#7
skyguard Dan Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oromocto, NB Age: 49 Posts: 10 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT Sedan	My 2001 3.4 V6 started doing this over a year ago, even when the engine is hot she still ticks, but once in a while on cold days or winter the ticking sounds like a diesel. I also noticed that when it does it that loud I can hear it in the exhaust sputering. That tells me its a lifter for one of the exhaust valve. I will try an oil conditioner to clean up any residue that may prevent the lifter at keeping its charge, if that don't work I may end up replacing the lifters. Last edited by skyguard; 04-11-2005 at 09:07 PM.

04-09-2005, 07:46 AM	#2
ChrisB MEMBER AKA: Chris Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Easton,PA Posts: 23 Vehicle: 2002 Gran Am GT	Just started? Does it clear up after the car warms up? I have the problem with my 02 3.4, the dealer said it wasn't a valve issue and that it's the type of ring set thats used in the engine. If it's the valves, maybe an adjustment/tightening chore ahead...

04-12-2005, 07:16 PM	#8
GAGT7386 Stock & Proud Of It! AKA: Trason Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hudsonville, MI Age: 26 Posts: 433 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT	So is this something I need to get looked at or not? From what skyguard makes it sound, it sounds like I might have to have my lifters replaced? __________________ PLESE STOP DOMESTIC ABUSE by saying no to all of the following: aluminium spoilers, large chrome exhaust, APC and NOS stickers, engulfing vinyl, hyperwhites, cut springs, stock black hoods on other color cars, steelies, $hit body kits that dont flow. We own domestic, lets act like it!

04-17-2005, 03:15 PM	#9
xdiego16x GAGT - Newbie Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Thornton, CO Age: 26 Posts: 22 Vehicle: 1997 Grand Am GT Sedan	Does it sound anything like this? http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=ga_knock My car has been doing it for quite some time, very annoying

04-17-2005, 07:13 PM	#10
GAGT7386 Stock & Proud Of It! AKA: Trason Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hudsonville, MI Age: 26 Posts: 433 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT	no mine isn't that loud. it is just like a slighty clicking noise not to loud but noticable for someone who pays close attention to my car __________________ PLESE STOP DOMESTIC ABUSE by saying no to all of the following: aluminium spoilers, large chrome exhaust, APC and NOS stickers, engulfing vinyl, hyperwhites, cut springs, stock black hoods on other color cars, steelies, $hit body kits that dont flow. We own domestic, lets act like it!

04-17-2005, 09:10 PM	#11
stangdude car guy AKA: Cory Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sparta, IL Age: 31 Posts: 249 Vehicle: 2007 Ford Mustang GT	i agree with silvergagt04, mine's an 02 with the 3.4 and I noticed that it was ticking on startup, but after it warmed up to operating temps, it was fine. I asked the dealer about it when I was in for warr work and they said it was normal on most 3.4s and is nothing to worry about. They even fired a new one up in the showroom to show me it does it too.

04-18-2005, 04:59 AM	#12
EASTERBUNNY GAGT - Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: PRINCETON WV Posts: 20 Vehicle: 95 GT CONVERSION	That Sounds Like The Timing Chain 2.4 Quads Are Notorious For Toming Chain Tensioner Going Out On Them The Later Model Q4's Have A Hydraulic Tensioner On Them At Idle Oil Pressure Drops And Then You Have More Slack In Your Chain , I Would Look Into This Asap Because If It Jumps Time It Will Bend All Of Your Exhaust Valves

04-18-2005, 01:31 PM	#13
xdiego16x GAGT - Newbie Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Thornton, CO Age: 26 Posts: 22 Vehicle: 1997 Grand Am GT Sedan	The tensioner thing makes sense, cuz a while back me and a friend changed out the water pump, and when we got it all put together, I noticed one of the tensioners was still sitting on the table. He said "it's nothing that you need" and threw it away. I think he was just too lazy to take it all apart again.

04-18-2005, 07:07 PM	#15
skyguard Dan Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oromocto, NB Age: 49 Posts: 10 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT Sedan	OK, I've added a bottle of oil detergent (CD2) that I got from Canadian Tire, the ticking is still there but less obvious. The loud diesel like sound has not come back, winter is over now (finally). will make an oil change. Will keep it like this, and wait for next winter, if it doesn't come back, were good to go. If not, I may replace the lifters. Will watch and shoot. Dan

04-18-2005, 07:33 PM	#16
Jason E SHIFT_Domestic AKA: Jason Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South Deerfield, Ma Age: 33 Posts: 365 Vehicle: '01 GPGT/ '97 30th Z28	Typically, piston slap is a cold-engine-only phenomenon. My LT1 does it, and my dad's old '02 TrailBlazer did it as well...come to think of it, my old '02 GA GT did it too. Its a common thing in GM and Ford engines, and indeed is nothing to worry about... But piston slap only occurs when an engine is COLD. All of these cars did not do it when warm. The '99+ Silverado/Tahoe V8s do it horribly. I've worked for a dealer for 5 years now, and we recently took in on trade a '00 Silverado 2500 with a 6.0 with 100k on it...it sounded like a diesel when cold, and evened right out when warm. Are you sure it isn't the injectors ticking? My GA did that too...that's normal though. __________________ -'01 Grand Prix GT Coupe 61k miles, moonroof, 17" chrome AR Fusions -'97 30th Anniversary Camaro Z28 62k miles, t-tops, 6 speed, SLP exhaust, intake, etc. -'99 Grand Am SE1 Sedan (Girlfriend's car) 71k miles, 2.4, moonroof, all stock '95 Grand Am SE 3100 Coupe (sold) '02 Grand Am GT Coupe (sold)

04-18-2005, 07:35 PM	#17
GrahamKracka WannaBe Fat Kid AKA: Richard Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Antonio, Texas Age: 27 Posts: 1,517 Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Titan	GM is notorious for piston slap

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode