Thicking noise on restored engine and low oil pressure

[aaberg]

I have rebuilt my L99 engine. Removed AFM but kept VVT and installed Comp cam kit stage 1 for this setup (the kit included hydraulic rollers, springs and pushrods etc). Link: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-mk189-301-13

I also installed a Melling high volume pump for better oil pressure. I Kept original valve tray with reducer valve. After reading that some said to plug and other said not to plug.

After rebuilt everything I started the engine for first time this evening and got two questions:

1. After running the engine for about 20 minutes, there is a ticking sound that seems to come from the cylinder head covers (lifters?). Sounds like the same as from mechanic lifters. Since there are no adjustments on this kit it, I guess the lifters not have got enough oil pressure yet? So how long will it take to get full pressure in the lifters? Or any other ideas what makes the sound and what to do?

2. I was hoping that Mellings HV oil pump and removing the AFM had bring more oil pressure but on idle 500 rpm I only have about 15 psi with hot engine (5-30 oil). At 2000 rpm I have 50 psi. I have read in other post that some also have low pressure and lowest pressure regarding GM spec are 6 psi! Any ideas why so low oil pressure on idle on a new rebuild engine with Melling HV? Can it be the valve train pressure relief valve that I didn't plug?

[gtstorey]

Lets hope Comp Cams has their heat treatment figured out. There were a lot of early cam failures on here when I first joined in 2017 with Comp cams.

[Aqua Blue RS/SS]

Originally Posted by aaberg

I have rebuilt my L99 engine. Removed AFM but kept VVT and installed Comp cam kit stage 1 for this setup (the kit included hydraulic rollers, springs and pushrods etc). Link: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-mk189-301-13

I also installed a Melling high volume pump for better oil pressure. I Kept original valve tray with reducer valve. After reading that some said to plug and other said not to plug.

After rebuilt everything I started the engine for first time this evening and got two questions:

1. After running the engine for about 20 minutes, there is a ticking sound that seems to come from the cylinder head covers (lifters?). Sounds like the same as from mechanic lifters. Since there are no adjustments on this kit it, I guess the lifters not have got enough oil pressure yet? So how long will it take to get full pressure in the lifters? Or any other ideas what makes the sound and what to do?

2. I was hoping that Mellings HV oil pump and removing the AFM had bring more oil pressure but on idle 500 rpm I only have about 15 psi with hot engine (5-30 oil). At 2000 rpm I have 50 psi. I have read in other post that some also have low pressure and lowest pressure regarding GM spec are 6 psi! Any ideas why so low oil pressure on idle on a new rebuild engine with Melling HV? Can it be the valve train pressure relief valve that I didn't plug?

After 20 minutes your lifters are as primed as they are ever gonna be. The Ls engines in general are know for a “type writer” type of tick which is pretty normal. Maybe you can post a video of the sound?

[Car Nation Videos]

Timing chain, or clearance issues were my first thoughts. Post a video..

[aaberg]

Here is a video with the engine noise: https://youtu.be/WgK9ID66zrQ

Ticking engine noise Camaro 2012 L99 with restored L99-engine with AFM delete but VVT running and COMP Cams MK189-301-13 - COMP Cams Stage 1 LST Master Camshaft Packages installed (hydralic lifters). Kit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-mk189-301-13 Car have run about 20 minutes with hot engine on idle (oil 5-30) but still ticking noise (lifters?). Exhaust not installed.

[aaberg]

Also a video on my oil pressure: https://youtu.be/ilu_Hqi2sDs

Varies from about 15 psi at idle (500 rpm), 30 psi at 1000 rpm and 50 psi at 2000 rpm. All with hot engine running for about 20 minutes. All engine parts new, Melling high volume pump installed. original L99 valvetrain with high pressure reduce valve left and not plugged.

[morepowerjoe]

Originally Posted by aaberg

Also a video on my oil pressure: https://youtu.be/ilu_Hqi2sDs

Varies from about 15 psi at idle (500 rpm), 30 psi at 100 rpm and 50 psi at 2000 rpm. All with hot engine running for about 20 minutes. All engine parts new, Melling high volume pump installed. original L99 valvetrain with high pressure reduce valve left and not plugged.

Your tick sounds normal to me. I have a GPI SS1 cam and mine sounds about the same. As far as your oil pressure, I'm not sure why it's so low because before I installed my Melling 10355HV I had 15 psi at idle and that was with the 10295. Mine now has 33 psi at idle when hot but I did plug my pressure relief valve in the pan. So I don't know if that had something to do with it or not. But I think that your ok especially with how your psi increases with your rpm. But my idle is at 7-900 rpm. Who tuned your car and what oil pump did you go with the 10296?

[Aqua Blue RS/SS]

I agree on the tick, nothing I would be worried about.

[Greenhornet2]

That is plenty of oil pressure

[PaulsSS]

If you go back in check the cam bearing clearances, usually the culprit with low oil pressure issues because no one considers them during a refresh. Because of where they are in relation to the valve train the lifters get very noisy. Seen this over and over.

[Car Nation Videos]

Honestly man it sounds just fine to me. Your pressure seems to be just fine also. Don’t sweat it unless it becomes a problem.

[aaberg]

Thank you all for confirming there is no ploblems with ticking or oil pressure!

[Camaro fanboy]

sounds normal to me. ofc when you rebuild something paranoia sometimes takes a hold lol.

[aaberg]

Yes, better to be safe than sorry