Sounds like a lifter failure...

Tech discussions on the L77 6.0L V8.
centex2013
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Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2017 2:37 am
Location: Lake Belton, TX

Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by centex2013 »

I was headed to work today and while at a light about 1mi from my house i heard a lound metallic clicking start from under the hood. I pulled into the gas station and it is coming from the driver's side of the motor. it sounds eerily familiar to the video link at the bottom. No CEL came on and no oil pressure light, although it did start to idle a little rough. What can I do to diagnose if it is a lifter/pushrod/valve without tearing the heads off to start? My dad once 'fixed' a stuck lifter with some marvel oil in the crankcase but I want to do this right. I know the DOD/AFM and camshafts have been discussed ad nauseum but I cant seem to get the answers I am after using the search function.

Also, does anyone have a link to a good write-up on how to do the swaps at home? I am pretty decent with a wrench, but this is my first caprice...I have extensive experience on the VW TDIs and my 99 ck2500 has been a workhorse for years and I never had to crack the heads open for anything.

Thanks!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ierz8kaG8CM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


edit- vehicle had a stored code for a misfire cylinder three
lastcall190
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Location: North Jersey

Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by lastcall190 »

Taken from G8 board:

http://www.g8board.com/forums/46-techni ... guide.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are quite a few over there I think.

Here is the writeup I used when I had an LS1. I thought it was well written and had good pics (note: I only did a cam, never pulled the heads on an LSx car).

http://ls1howto.com/index.php?article=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck.

As for how to diagnose the lifter noise? I would pull the valve covers and simply examine all the rocker arms and springs. Maybe something will jump out, and from there, you could pull the pushrods and work your way further down, inspecting each item removed to see if there was a critical failure at some point prior to the lifters. Sorry can't be more help.

Edit: For the misfire on cylinder three, to start I'd check plug, wire, and move the coil and see if the code moves. Figure might as well try the low hanging fruit that also wouldn't cost more than a few minutes and $0

-J
2012 Caprice
2008 CVPI

Both gone but not forgotten...
centex2013
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2017 2:37 am
Location: Lake Belton, TX

Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by centex2013 »

thanks! I have the next two days off so I know what I am starting on tomorrow morning.
lastcall190
Posts: 604
Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2017 5:17 am
Location: North Jersey

Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by lastcall190 »

No problem. Good luck and let us know how you make out and what you find.

Also from what I've read, piecing together a DoD delete package sometimes becomes a better option vs buying off the shelf (depending on how soup-to-nuts you wish to make the endeavor), such that sometimes misc gaskets are missing, which can add up quickly.

-J
2012 Caprice
2008 CVPI

Both gone but not forgotten...
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Mooseman
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Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by Mooseman »

I pieced together the parts from Amazon and eBay when I did the 5.3L in my Saab 9-7x (aka: TrailBlazer). I had even found a new take-off cam. Figured I saved $300-400.

There is a way to get the oil pump off without dropping the oil pan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoCQEdXYTGQ&t=630s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Only thing though is that he was able to modify his pickup tube to be able to spin around the retainer. On mine, it was welded so I did this ghetto fix using small washers and a large one notched to clear the tube. I used Loctite blue on the bolt. It may not be as big a dead to drop the pan on these cars but on trucks, it's a real PITA.
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2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
centex2013
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2017 2:37 am
Location: Lake Belton, TX

Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by centex2013 »

Spark plug on cylinder 3 was a little loose, but the noise continues. Here's a video I just took.

https://youtu.be/CqN-kkMdCvs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
centex2013
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2017 2:37 am
Location: Lake Belton, TX

Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by centex2013 »

Intake side of #3 has an audible and felt pop when cranking the motor. I put my finger on the rocker arm and it feels like knuckles cracking when the arm comes back up on the valve side.

Took the rocker arm off and pulled the rod. No obvious bend. Whacked the valve a couple times with a rubber mallet, reinstalled rocker and rod and turned it over. No pop sound. Put it all back together, started it up, and the noise cane back within 15 seconds.... damn.
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Mooseman
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Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by Mooseman »

Sure looks and sounds like the DoD lifter is collapsed. You're in for the big one.
2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
xcidmigs
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Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by xcidmigs »

This is just an excuse to do a cam swap, not that bad really looks like you are capable and no you don't have to drop the oil pan to loosen the oil pump. Buy a LS3 OEM cam if ur on a budget, car runs great with it.
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Mooseman
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Re: Sounds like a lifter failure...

Post by Mooseman »

Come to think of it, if you can keep the chain from skipping the crank gear, you don't have to pull the oil pump.
2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
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