Ok I have built LS VTEC that has just recently developed this annoying semi-loud tick after run. Like a light switch just out of nowhere. Car was never over revved or done anything it hasn't been through 100 times. Just a pull on the highway and down again. Tick is very consistent and only present on idle and when the motor is under load. If I let the motor drag it becomes very silent or non-existent. Its light and does not really sound like rod knock. I pulled each spark plug and the tick never changed. Used stethoscope and its seemingly coming from high up in either cylinder 2 or 3, Its only one cylinder making the sound for sure. I just replaced the LMAs thinking maybe those, but nope... It has a stock B16A Valvetrain (Cams, valves, springs retainers, etc.) AND it was a newly replaced roughly 4000kms ago.
This has stumped me and my freind and its driving both of us crazy. neither of us are noobs we have both lost motors before in different ways but this eludes us. I REALLY don't want to have to tear the motor apart until I at least narrow to the Top or Bottom end. This sound is definitely coming from inside the motor. I see no broken valve springs, I see no irregular wear on the cams or rockers, see nothing really.

I'm wondering if it could possibly be:
-Valve not seating right for whatever reason
-Could it still be rod knock?
-Wrist pin? (If so why would a free floating Wrist pin wear out?)
-Valve Guide...?

Things I know its not:
LMAs
Injectors
Dizzy
any belts
Valve Adjustment
Foreign object
Broken Spring


The setup is:
Sleeved B18A
Ealge Rods
CP Pistons
Stock B16A1 Head and Valvetrain

Compression is:
4 3 2 1
171 170 170 172

Please offer any suggestions you may have. I have read too much about people having similar problems but nobody ever posts what the problem was once they figure it out. I'm begging for help.

I took a video this afternoon, Check the link:
http://videos.streetfire.net/v...2.htm


Modified by Targa4Life at 12:48 AM 6/30/2008

 

Not that it really matters, but is this a boosted setup? Why stock cams/VT with a "built" block?

Anyway, pull your pan and look for shavings at the bottom of the pan. DONT just drain the oil and look in there. Gravity has a way of keeping heavy stuff @ the bottom and it might not drain out. Should take an hour or so to take off , inspect and put back on.

 

Yes it s a boosted setup. I just couldn't afford better cams, may look at a set this year..

My next plan was to put the car on a lift and drop the pan. Wanted to take a look at the rod bearings to give me peace of mind...

 

Video added....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Targa4Life &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Video added....</TD></TR></TABLE>

Ugh, pull the pan.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Combustion Contraption &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Ugh, pull the pan.</TD></TR></TABLE>

x10

Any results?

 

LOL Thats a pretty big *** tick... sounds like something's hitting soemthing..

 

Pulled the motor today, turns out that the piston to wall clearances may have been too tight. Cylinder walls and pistons are messed up. Looks like I am am going to need to bore and rebuild... :S sigh..

 

jesus you can hear the pistons trying to grind themselves to a stop in the vid!