Been a while, but I have a problem....

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

A few days ago, my bro in law heard what he thought to be 'knocking' from my 944. Today, I went to my local mechanic and he said it sounds like a stuck valve or lifter or so....

Anyone got an idea what that may mean? The head is about 3000 miles old, and it still runs good and gas mileage hasn't really changed either.

Ideas of what is wrong and what needs to be done? Major problem? Minor? I am getting with my buddy mechanic who did the work and see what he has to say but that won't be for a few days at least and I'm worried

Thanks...

overkill · 04-24-2003, 12:49 PM

Sticking valves/ lifters usually work them selves out but you said you have 3000 miles on it already so I would assume that it would have worked it way out by now. Usually after a rebuild you will get sticking valves/ lifters becuase everything is tight. When everything wears into place it all becomes smooth and silent. You just started hearing this noise recently?

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

Yeah...I did anyways.......how do I know what's ok and what isn't? Actually, it seems to get a tad better gas mileage, too.

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

Yeah...I did anyways.......how do I know what's ok and what isn't? Actually, it seems to get a tad better gas mileage, too.

gearhead290 · 04-24-2003, 02:11 PM

Add a quart of Automatic tranny fluid...it isn't as thick and will work itself into the lifter faster.

BTW-mine has a stuck lifter and a knock...don't rule the knock out, it's very possible that it's still there. I know I can't here the knock, except for when the lifter is quiet and happy (which it only did for a short enough time for me to hear the knock). Also, if the lifter gets quiet and a knock does appear LEAVE THE CAR SIT!

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

Well, my local mechanic said the noise is on top, so I'm not worried that it may be the block.....

Add a qt of atf? Leave it in or what? I did just change the oil recently to 20w50 castrol syntec......Maybe I should have used thinner oil??

gearhead290 · 04-24-2003, 03:17 PM

I couldn't here anything on mine other then the lifter. Add half a qt first...then if it doesn't come out add another half. My guess would be that you need to take some oil out then too, but I never did with mine, just left it sit cuz it's done for the time being. I'm sure somebody will know though. And if not, I will talk to my dad tonight and he'll tell me.

Roger Hall · 04-24-2003, 03:34 PM

The ATF trick is for old dirty lifters. It can hurt to try it, but on a new head it may not work.

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

Roger....do you mean it CAN'T hurt to try it??

Where are the P-heads when you need em??

AFJuvat · 04:50 AM

P-head here. (for some reason, that sounds vaguely obscene)

If the car is getting great gas mileage, I wouldn't worry too much.

As was already said, you probably have a case of sticky lifter. I would change out the oil (if you have good new synthetic, save it in a clean container)

Put in a new cheap dino juice and a quart or two of ATF, (4 qts oil, 2 ATF)drive it around a little bit- SLOWLY, do not lug the engine, no highway or excessive stop and go traffic. A spin through the neighborhood is good.

If you are just going to idle the engine for about 30 minutes, you can go as high as 50/50 oil\atf.

Drain out the oil\ATF, notice how black and nasty is it. I jack up the drivers side a little bit to help get as much of the old oil out as I can - let it drain for a good 30 minutes or so.

Change the filter, put your expensive synthetic back in, top off.

AFJuvat

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

Obscenity is not my piece of cake here!

I've been in meetings and meetings for the past few weeks that when I get a chance to get on the pc, I hurry as fast I can. Please accept my apology, AF.......

That sounds good. You said 4 qts oil and 2 qts atf....does it matter if I use type f or dexron III (yeah, it probably is a stupid question, but I'd rather be safe than sorry)?

Actually, I think I need a new 02 sensor since I've been getting about 20 mpg, plus the exhaust smells a tad rich, but the last time I filled the tank I got 23 mpg, so that is an improvement actually. I had castrol GTX 20w50 for about 2500-3000 miles, then just changed it to 20w50 syntec blend last weekend. Would this be because of a new head and having tighter clearances?

Car runs great and all. We're going down to the gulf tonight to fish for the weekend and when I get back Sunday, I will do this procedure. Yeah, I'd rather be on my dirtbike, but the younger boys want to fish for some Specks and Reds.....(we're going trail riding next weekend, though).

Thanks and I will report back on the results.

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

honestly, i think your brother in law is the real problem here!

Roger Hall · 04-25-2003, 05:59 AM

Sorry forgot the "t". I ment so say "it can't hurt"

overkill · 04-25-2003, 10:46 AM

Also, the next time you change your oil try 15W. It's not 10 but not 20,....it's a perfect weight if you ask me. 20 in my opinion is a bit thick. I was out buying oil today and saw that 20W, I was going to try it but 15W is good for me. Anything thinner and you might notice that the engine idles a bit rougher than 15W would. Plus if its hot out the 15W will hold its thickness well where 10W would be almost like water.