2004 3800SC engine noise !? (Page 1/3)
Lou6t4gto NOV 04, 06:30 PM
3800SC engine,(not mine)- "RUNS" fine. Has 1.9 rockers and Headers so has a non stock idle (but not lumpy). The noise, that sounds almost like a Loud "spark jumping", coming from around #6,( but looked in the dark, no spark). Went over the "entire engine" top to bottom with a "stethescope", (belts off) not a sound ! Not in bottom end, not lifters, not rockers( everything sounds like a sewing machine running). Gets louder when put in gear and not moving. I almost suspect either a leaking Header gasket or a cracked Flywheel. (Trans was replaced about 500 miles ago) The header is almost impossible to get to because of it's location. I really don't want to drop the cradle. Any Ideas ??? Thanks
Gall757 NOV 04, 09:32 PM
Belts off and the sound goes away?
Lou6t4gto NOV 04, 11:19 PM
no, the same
Lou6t4gto NOV 04, 11:26 PM
I said in the post, "Belts off". the "sound"( is the same with the belt off", everything "Inside" the engine is silent (sewing machine), but somewhere there is that noise, not clacking, not knocking (I am familiar with those noises). sounds just like a huge spark jumping.

[This message has been edited by Lou6t4gto (edited 11-04-2019).]

Lou6t4gto NOV 05, 03:58 PM
oil pressure is 60psi at an idle hot. anyone have any experience with the zzp 1.9 rockers ? before I pull the cover ( of course it's the one that's hard to get to)
BadNewsBrendan NOV 05, 06:49 PM
Does it sound like its coming from the trans area since that was just replaced? Fly wheel cover rubbing or just the clutch making noise? Hard to make guesses without knowing where its coming from or hearing what it sounds like.

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"America is all about speed, hot nasty bad-ass speed" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Tetanus
1984 3800 II SC Build

Dennis LaGrua NOV 05, 06:57 PM
Start car. Put up on lift. Then use a 3/4" 30" long hose taped to a funnel as your stethoscope. Listen around the bottom area where the transmission joins to the engine (flexplate area). I found that the starter gear on my engine was not fully retracting and hitting against the flexplate. It was a loud ringing noise and on first thought believed it to be a rod bearing but it wasn't. The flexplates on these engines can occasionally fail as well.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 11-06-2019).]

BadNewsBrendan NOV 05, 09:21 PM
Assumed it was a manual trans since he said flywheel but he didn't specify what trans so don't know for sure.

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"America is all about speed, hot nasty bad-ass speed" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Tetanus
1984 3800 II SC Build

Lou6t4gto NOV 05, 11:48 PM
further inspection, not trans/ flywheel. Took belts off again, removed all rockers and push rods and checked all, put back together, with no belts, no noise ! put belts on, NOISE, took belts off, STILL NOISE ! the sound seems to be coming from "dead center",but cannot pinpoint it. used both a stethescope, a piece of rubber tube, and a long screwdriver. the only way to describe "the sound" is, if i a lifter collapsed, and the roller is Bouncing on the cam lobe, a metal to metal Tap. does not do it 100% of the time, sometimes will stop for 10 seconds. exhaust is all tightened. going to order new LIFTERS and pray ! LOL
Patrick NOV 06, 03:20 AM

quote
Originally posted by BadNewsBrendan:

Assumed it was a manual trans since he said flywheel but he didn't specify what trans so don't know for sure.



It was never stated outright... but I'd say from the following comment that it's gotta be an automatic.


quote
Originally posted by Lou6t4gto:

Gets louder when put in gear and not moving.