Clicking Noise

[omegaman]

I'm hearing a louder than normal clicking noise coming from what I believe is the valve train area of cylinder 8 and 6. I've ruled out an exhaust leak. The clicking sound changes with rpm. The sound is definitely a "click-click" and not a "pfffttt-pffttt." Any clues before I take it in to the dealer?

[Prochargedchevyi]

First off, how many miles do you have on the car? Any internal mods done to the engine? Did the noise just start happening or did it start after racing or extra "lovin?"

There's a few different reasons that may be causing this:

- Valve chatter
- Bent valve
- Tiny abnormality of the exhaust manifold gasket - best way to check is to get some water, mix in a little dish soap and spray in on the manifold where it meets the block. If you see bubbles forming, that means you have a leak. Sometimes you just can't see these things with the naked eye.

We can make recommendations all day long, but we need more information first.

If you haven't done anything that would void the warranty, then I'd take it to the dealership and see if it's pulling codes.

[omegaman]

Miles = 9700
internal mods = none
Exhaust mods = kooks LT with cats
Extra lovin' = occasionally

I did the soapy water test on the exhaust already but no bubbles (leaks).

I'm thinking sound may be loose rocker or a partially collapsed lifter. I understand the LS motors use hydraulic roller lifters.

Engine runs great but the clicking noise is pronounced on the left side of the motor, and almost no noise on the right side.

[Goliath]

Could be loosed spark plug wires?

[barnesql]

I had what seems like a similar noise, and it was a failed lifter which caused a scored camshaft. Obviously, do not push it until you have it looked at. I would take it into the dealer and have them take a peek. They had mine in about a week. Hope this helps.

[Kulo]

For your info , not sure if this is your problem

edit : sorry didnt see you had a 6 speed M

#10-06-01-007B: Active Fuel Management (AFM) Engine, Valve Lifter Tick Noise at Start Up When Engine Has Been Off for 2 Hours or More (Evaluate Noise and/or Replace Valve Lifters) - (Nov 17, 2010)

Subject:Active Fuel Management (AFM) Engine, Valve Lifter Tick Noise at Start Up When Engine Has Been Off for 2 Hours or More (Evaluate Noise and/or Replace Valve Lifters)

Models:2007 Buick Rainier

2009 Buick LaCrosse Super, Allure Super (Canada Only)
2007 Cadillac Escalade
Built Prior to April 1, 2006 with 6.2L Engine RPO L92 (These engines were built with AFM Hardware but the AFM system was disabled)
2010-2011 Cadillac Escalade
2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2007-2009 Chevrolet Impala
2007-2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, TrailBlazer
2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS
2007-2011 GMC Envoy, Sierra, Yukon
2007-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008-2009 Pontiac G8
2007-2009 Saab 9-7X
Equipped with AFM (Active Fuel Management) and V8 Engine RPO L76, L94, L99, LC9, LFA, LH6, LMG, LS4, LY5 or LZ1

Attention: This bulletin only applies to the AFM V8 engines listed above. It DOES NOT apply to Non-AFM Engines. If you are dealing with a Non-AFM engine that is experiencing a similar noise, please refer to Engine Mechanical > Diagnostic Information and Procedures > Symptoms in SI.

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2011 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-06-01-007A (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss1-2547180">Condition

Some customers may comment on an engine valve lifter tick noise that occurs after the engine has been shut off for at least two hours. The tick noise may last from two seconds to ten minutes.
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss2-2547180">Cause

This condition may be caused by any of the following:

• Aerated oil in the valve lifter body, resulting in the valve lifter being unable to purge the air quickly.

• A low engine oil level or incorrect oil viscosity.

• Dirty or contaminated oil.
• A low internal valve lifter oil reservoir level.
• Debris in the valve lifter.
• A high valve lifter leak down rate.

<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss3-2547180">Correction

If the SI diagnostics do not isolate the cause of this valve lifter tick noise and normal oil pressure is noted during the concern, perform the following steps:

1. <LI type=1>Inspect the engine oil condition and level. Refer to Owner Manual > Service and Appearance Care > Checking Things Under the Hood > Description and Operation > Engine Oil in SI.
   ⇒If the engine oil is more than one quart low, an incorrect oil viscosity is being used or if poor quality/contamination is observed, change the oil and filter.

1. 
   
   Note: Allow at least a two hour soak time between engine OFF and start up when evaluating the tick noise.
2. Start the engine and evaluate the valve lifter tick noise.
   ⇒If the valve lifter tick noise is still present, replace all 16 valve lifters. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement in SI.
   

<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss4-2547180">Parts Information

Note: A V8 AFM engine requires 8 AFM lifters and 8 non-AFM lifters for a total of 16 lifters.

Part Number
Description
Qty
12576400
Non AFM Hydraulic Valve Lifter
8
12632143
AFM Hydraulic Valve Lifter
8
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss5-2547180">Warranty Information (excluding Saab Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
J0627
Valve Lifter Replacement - Both Sides
Use Published Labor Operation Time
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss6-2547180">Warranty Information (Saab Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Saab Labor Operation
Description
Failed Object
Fault/Reason Code
Location Code
Warranty Type
Repair/Action Code
STM Labor Time
21421-12
Replace part, Depressor
21421
40
5
1
01 (Replace)
Use Published STM Labor Operation Time
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

[BowlingSS]

Originally Posted by Kulo

For your info , not sure if this is your problem

edit : sorry didnt see you had a 6 speed M

#10-06-01-007B: Active Fuel Management (AFM) Engine, Valve Lifter Tick Noise at Start Up When Engine Has Been Off for 2 Hours or More (Evaluate Noise and/or Replace Valve Lifters) - (Nov 17, 2010)

Subject:Active Fuel Management (AFM) Engine, Valve Lifter Tick Noise at Start Up When Engine Has Been Off for 2 Hours or More (Evaluate Noise and/or Replace Valve Lifters)

Models:2007 Buick Rainier

2009 Buick LaCrosse Super, Allure Super (Canada Only)
2007 Cadillac Escalade
Built Prior to April 1, 2006 with 6.2L Engine RPO L92 (These engines were built with AFM Hardware but the AFM system was disabled)
2010-2011 Cadillac Escalade
2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2007-2009 Chevrolet Impala
2007-2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, TrailBlazer
2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS
2007-2011 GMC Envoy, Sierra, Yukon
2007-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008-2009 Pontiac G8
2007-2009 Saab 9-7X
Equipped with AFM (Active Fuel Management) and V8 Engine RPO L76, L94, L99, LC9, LFA, LH6, LMG, LS4, LY5 or LZ1

Attention: This bulletin only applies to the AFM V8 engines listed above. It DOES NOT apply to Non-AFM Engines. If you are dealing with a Non-AFM engine that is experiencing a similar noise, please refer to Engine Mechanical > Diagnostic Information and Procedures > Symptoms in SI.

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2011 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-06-01-007A (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss1-2547180">Condition

Some customers may comment on an engine valve lifter tick noise that occurs after the engine has been shut off for at least two hours. The tick noise may last from two seconds to ten minutes.
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss2-2547180">Cause

This condition may be caused by any of the following:

• Aerated oil in the valve lifter body, resulting in the valve lifter being unable to purge the air quickly.

• A low engine oil level or incorrect oil viscosity.

• Dirty or contaminated oil.
• A low internal valve lifter oil reservoir level.
• Debris in the valve lifter.
• A high valve lifter leak down rate.

<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss3-2547180">Correction

If the SI diagnostics do not isolate the cause of this valve lifter tick noise and normal oil pressure is noted during the concern, perform the following steps:

1. <LI type=1>Inspect the engine oil condition and level. Refer to Owner Manual > Service and Appearance Care > Checking Things Under the Hood > Description and Operation > Engine Oil in SI.
   ⇒If the engine oil is more than one quart low, an incorrect oil viscosity is being used or if poor quality/contamination is observed, change the oil and filter.

1. 
   
   Note: Allow at least a two hour soak time between engine OFF and start up when evaluating the tick noise.
2. Start the engine and evaluate the valve lifter tick noise.
   ⇒If the valve lifter tick noise is still present, replace all 16 valve lifters. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement in SI.
   

<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss4-2547180">Parts Information

Note: A V8 AFM engine requires 8 AFM lifters and 8 non-AFM lifters for a total of 16 lifters.

Part Number
Description
Qty
12576400
Non AFM Hydraulic Valve Lifter
8
12632143
AFM Hydraulic Valve Lifter
8
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss5-2547180">Warranty Information (excluding Saab Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
J0627
Valve Lifter Replacement - Both Sides
Use Published Labor Operation Time
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2547180&from=bcpi#ss6-2547180">Warranty Information (Saab Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Saab Labor Operation
Description
Failed Object
Fault/Reason Code
Location Code
Warranty Type
Repair/Action Code
STM Labor Time
21421-12
Replace part, Depressor
21421
40
5
1
01 (Replace)
Use Published STM Labor Operation Time
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

Good stuff...

[Archunter]

2010 Camaro 2SS - 5845 Miles
I have this same ticking issue. However, I found that my oil was being also contaminated with gas. This was causing the engine oil to degrade and the oil not providing the lubrication the engine needs. I have less that 5800 miles on my Camaro and have change the oil 4 times during that period. An oil sample test by the dealer showed abnormal bearing wear. I've taken it to the dealer and they say this is normal. However with the existing tsbs on the valves and lifters and the high oil contamination with fuel, it has now started to producing engine compartment fumes that are drifting into the passenger compartment. The dealer has no answer and is waiting on GM to assist with the issue.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a possible at this point as the combustion fumes generated can enter the passenger compartment via your AC/Unit due to its design flaw. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness, health problems, or death.

I have discovered thru research that the only way to detect this malfunction and identify the needed mechanical repair is with the following GM Product. When performing maintenance on any make or model. ACDelco utilizes a full line of Quality products designed to help handle almost any repair and service situation.

Try:
ACDelco Gas Engine Fluorescent oil Dye, Part 10-5003, 88900406.
.Quickly pinpoints the exact source of oil leaks, or engine leaks.
.Eliminates guesswork, saves labor and improves technician efficiency
.when used under UV light, tracer Dye very clearly shows a bright yellow-green glow where oil is leaking, seeping, or misting.
. Remains safely in the system for future leak inspections.

Most Chevrolet dealers do not carry the product, have never used it, and will have to order it. I have found my Chevy Dealership in Texas to be un-cooperative in this suggestion and is waiting on a GM response.
My vehicle has been parked since January 2011.
On April 8, 2011. My Camaro was taken back to the Dealership and delivered for inspection, review and repair to date no real action has been undertaken.

IS your OIL contaminated as well? Does it have fuel in the OIL? They claim this is normal. IF you are having the same problems do let me know how you solved the issue through the Dealership or GM. Also let me know if you found your leak with the Oil Tracer Dye and UV-light.

Good Luck,

Archunter