[s-cars] update - was ping vs. rattle

[Matthew Russell]

I agree with you Dave, but it sounds like compression is 130 in all  
cylinders.
Are those numbers from last night, Phil? If not, then Dave's right to  
be concerned and we need those numbers asap.

I was thinking a loose spark plug, but if your compression tested last  
night and the noise didn't change on reassembly, that rules that out.

You may want to pull the serpentine belt OFF and run the car to rule  
out the tensioner, compressor, fan clutch, and hyd pump, as simply  
loosening tension at the tensioner may not be enough to stop all those  
components from rotating and take then out of the equation.

You said all your studs and bolts are present from the exhaust  
manifold, but that doesn't mean a gasket isn't leaking in that area.  
However, usually if that's the case or there's a crack somewhere it  
will seal back up when hot and open up when cold. YMMV.

I think you need a leak down to rule out a blown head gasket at this  
point.
Possibly another set of ears would help too. Motor seems to be running  
smooth otherwise, correct? All 5 cylinders?

I hope Cody's not right (no offense!) and it's not rod knock.
I've got a spare high milege motor in my garage right now if your local.
That's all I can think of right now.

Matt




On Jan 27, 2011, at 1:11 AM,
>
>
> If you do not go out and buy a $20 compression gauge, spend 30  
> minutes and check immediately, you are insane.  You are risking  
> serious damage.
>
> I made these same pleas against a ton of other list speculation back  
> when Vittorio originally posted, and he saved his engine.
>
> I don't care how unlikely you think it is, play it safe, or you WILL  
> be sorry.
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: james McCarthy <jjssmccarthy at yahoo.com>
> To: s-car-list <s-car-list at audifans.com>
> Sent: Wed, Jan 26, 2011 8:47 pm
> Subject: [s-cars] update - was ping vs. rattle
>
>
> Thanks to all those who chimed in so far.
>
> So here's what happening:
>
> It's evolving... began with rattle/clatter/ping noticeable at 2800-3200 
>  - didn't
> hear with WOT - I thought (perhaps) because I was just blasting  
> through it.
> It's growing in volume (and RPM range now at 18000) to a very  
> audible and and
> become more rhythmic tick - almost valve like but more regular and  
> stronger with
> the occasional valve clatter I've gotten when the oil got a tad low  
> (down a
> quart). Can also faintly also hear it with falling RPM (off  
> throttle) where as
> before you had to be on the gas.
>
> While standing with the hood up and modulating the throttle it  
> really sounds
> like it's coming from the head to me - released the serp belt (no  
> change). Still
> don't hear it at idle - but perhaps I will soon...
>
> It's definitely RPM related in frequency - no difference with clutch  
> in or when
> stationary.
>
> Several listers speculated headgasket failure - for a little  
> background I
> replaced the head gasket 1 year ago and put new lifters in at that  
> time.
> Compression is 130 in all 5 with no coolant loss and no washing  
> machine cleaning
> effect on any of the spark plugs - so HG seems less likely (no way  
> to check leak
> down at home).
>
> Doesn't seem like exhaust leak - stromung with no heat shields - as  
> it sounds
> higher up. All exhaust studs are in place (wagner RS2 unit).
>
> One last tidbit is it seems to get louder once the car is warmed up.
>
> So where to go from here? Tempted to tear off the valve cover but if  
> everything
> looks OK what next.
>
> Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> -jamie