HELP Valve Train Noise on First Start Up

Scott · May 30, 2013

Not good news, engine was started today and there is a noise in the valve train. Start up was recorded and I will see and hear the video tomorrow. Apparently it is one side only. Everything is new in the valve train build except for the VCT solenoids. Will post the video tomorrow, but in the meantime any ideas on what I should look into first?

If you have not been following my build, details are in this thread:

http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91539

TurboX · May 30, 2013

Sorry to hear this

Did you pressurize the entire oil system to verify oil flow before buttoning it up ?

Scott · May 30, 2013

Yes, break-in oil was pouring out all over - tensioners, lash adjusters, everywhere. I made a real mess on the floor. lol

BruceH · May 30, 2013

New lifters take awhile to fill up and quiet down. How long did it run and is the oil viscosity correct for your clearances?

KillrStang · May 30, 2013

Scott i actually am having the same problem. But my oil pressure is low, im hoping its a simple fix. i should be finding out tonight whats the cause.

Scott · May 30, 2013

BruceH said:
New lifters take awhile to fill up and quiet down. How long did it run and is the oil viscosity correct for your clearances?

When I installed the lifters I submerged them in oil and gave them a few pumps. Additionally on May 14th I pressure tank primed the engine. See post number 106:

http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91539&page=6

I am pretty sure there was oil in the lash adjusters.

BruceH · May 30, 2013

Scott said:
When I installed the lifters I submerged them in oil and gave them a few pumps. Additionally on May 14th I pressure tank primed the engine. See post number 106:

http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91539&page=6

I am pretty sure there was oil in the lash adjusters.

All I can relate is my experience putting new ones in my car. At the time it was all that was changed and I had also pumped them up while submerged.

IIRC mine made noise for about a minute. It seemed like a long time and it was awful noisy but since that was all I had changed I rode it out and it got better.

If you are using a super thick break in oil it's going to take even longer for it to get to the top end. IIRC you have an aluminator which has factory clearances.

KillrStang · May 30, 2013

Hey the verdict on mine was the bolt attaching the comp limiter backed out. So the oil was squirting out of the phaser.

BruceH · May 30, 2013

KillrStang said:
Hey the verdict on mine was the bolt attaching the comp limiter backed out. So the oil was squirting out of the phaser.

It's tough to get the torque on those things. It's something like 145 inch pounds with a star bit and you have to hold the phaser at the same time. 145 inch pounds doesn't sound like a lot but it is with that small fastener.

Glad you got it figured out. It could of been much worse.

TurboX · May 30, 2013

Scott, Can you monitor oil pressure ? Even a cheap gauge would work and give you a direction to follow. I think you are on the right track suspecting VCT, especially if its only on 1 bank.

My motor made noise only for a few seconds, the time it took to get oil pressure on startup.

TheKurgan · May 30, 2013

Definitely wouldn't hurt to bust out the weed sprayer and pressurize the whole system like mentioned. Eh, scratch that, just saw you already did. Still, it wouldn't hurt to confirm oil coming out of everything for a few minutes.

05stroker · May 30, 2013

KillrStang said:
Hey the verdict on mine was the bolt attaching the comp limiter backed out. So the oil was squirting out of the phaser.

Thats good to hear! :thumb:

KillrStang · May 30, 2013

Here is the culprit

BruceH · May 30, 2013

KillrStang said:
Here is the culprit

Wow! The others that are backed out don't instill confidence. I take it that a shop did the work for you?

05stroker · May 30, 2013

KillrStang said:
Here is the culprit

Looks like someone forgot the TQ wrench!

TurboX · May 31, 2013

Ouch!!!!!!

Scott · May 31, 2013

Buzz Lightyear said:
Scott, Can you monitor oil pressure ? Even a cheap gauge would work and give you a direction to follow. I think you are on the right track suspecting VCT, especially if its only on 1 bank.

My motor made noise only for a few seconds, the time it took to get oil pressure on startup.

I have an oil pressure gauge in the car. When I spoke to the shop they did not mention an issue with oil pressure. I will confirm this morning.

Scott · May 31, 2013

KillrStang said:
Here is the culprit

Glad that you located your problem!

RLF9409 · May 31, 2013

For us Noobs... What the heck is that?
I see the timing chain so I am guessing it is on the heads...
I am like 5 days from my initial start up and hoping all goes well...

lethe · May 31, 2013

Did it cause any damage besides that one bolt?

HELP Valve Train Noise on First Start Up

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