The Tapping ghost is back (L98)

[tonylong]

I've been hearing tapping sounds from under hood off and on for several years. It was never very loud and always went away using Marvel in the Oil and gas, and Lucas Fuel injector treatment in the gas.

Now it's become louder and more persistent. I guess it's time to do something more. It seems to be on the driver side of the engine, not noticeable when cold, louder when warmed up to op temp.

I'd like to eliminate the fuel injectors first cuz I think that would be easiest.

Can I safely remove the injector connectors, one by one when the engine is running after warmup and with the tapping audible?

Are there any caveats on this? Exactly how do I disconnect the wires? (I once removed an ignition wire on a Ford when running to see if there was any juice at that plug - found out reeeeal quick-like there sure as hell was!! I wasn't wearing gloves and had the other hand on the metal fender - baaad move he he).

So I'm open to ideas here ppl. Any help appreciated.

 

[KANE]

I've been hearing tapping sounds from under hood off and on for several years. It was never very loud and always went away using Marvel in the Oil and gas, and Lucas Fuel injector treatment in the gas.

Now it's become louder and more persistent. I guess it's time to do something more. It seems to be on the driver side of the engine, not noticeable when cold, louder when warmed up to op temp.

I'd like to eliminate the fuel injectors first cuz I think that would be easiest.

Can I safely remove the injector connectors, one by one when the engine is running after warmup and with the tapping audible?

Are there any caveats on this? Exactly how do I disconnect the wires? (I once removed an ignition wire on a Ford when running to see if there was any juice at that plug - found out reeeeal quick-like there sure as hell was!! I wasn't wearing gloves and had the other hand on the metal fender - baaad move he he).

So I'm open to ideas here ppl. Any help appreciated.

There is a far easier way to check than to throw a bunch of codes. Get a mechanic's stethoscope or get a medical grade stethoscope if you can't find the mechanic's version. Then, simply listen around for the noise at each injector while it is running.

I'd also listen above each exhaust port on the valve cover. You may have some chatter- like loose rockers or a bad exhaust gasket (both can make similar noises to a bad injector).

 

[tonylong]

Sounds good. I have a Medical steth. I didn't think of that.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

If it has been going away when you used the fuel treatments and mystery oil, it may be an indication of a light varnish buildup on your valve stems or lifters that is now getting heavier. Why not try some Seafoam for a little more aggressive cleanup of the deposits before you decide to tear into it?

 

[tonylong]

Seafoam - another good idea. There's an Advance Auto up the road too. I like these ideas. Anything that lots me pour something in and watchit work is a lot better than having to do any work myself.

 

[muddywaters]

Hi, I had a loud injector on my 88 when it warms up. I used Lucas fuel treatment and the ticking has stopped. In my case, it was the injector making noise, we used the stethescope trick and it was obviuos.......Good Luck

 

[John Robinson]

On my dads 60 vette that had 250k on it when the lifters would varnish up we added a quart of transmission fluid drove the car far enough to get everything warm. Drained the oil and the noise would go away. GM dealers would even do this because the automatic transmission oil had the highest concentration of detergents in it. However I would check the manual first and be sure you are not doing something that GM says not to do. A lot of changes have happened between 1960 engineering and todays cars.

 

[Red G]

On mine, it was the #1 cylinder rocker that had gotten loose. Easy fix.

 

[tonylong]

If it has been going away when you used the fuel treatments and mystery oil, it may be an indication of a light varnish buildup on your valve stems or lifters that is now getting heavier. Why not try some Seafoam for a little more aggressive cleanup of the deposits before you decide to tear into it?

I tried Seafoam (in the fuel, not the whole deal) so far the tapping devil have gone back into exile. We'll see if more aggressive treatment is needed, My motto is "If it's quiet, let it be".

 

[wishuwerehere82]

That's what I'm talking about!