ka24e loud tapping noise

[aznpinoymike]

Ka24e '90 s13 110,xxx miles

I recently just replaced my timing chain, guides, water pump, and tensioner because I had a tapping noise in the front of the motor. I put everything on the way i took it off and put it at TDC.... i go to start my car and a loud tapping noise occurs. I put my ear near the valve cover and I believe it's coming from under it. The car idles normal and it seeems to be running fine with the exception of the loud tapping. I'm not sure if it's my lifters or if my oil pump ain't pushin oil to my valves(still using the same old pump, should of replaced with a new one.. bad call by me) or if the car is off a tooth or 2 from TDC. Please let me know your ideas because I have a month to get this car on the road again before I leave for basic training next month.Thank you for your time

[Cone Junky]

Probably just your lifters. I just completely rebuilt my motor and it took 50+ miles of driving to quiet them down. You could also try fresh oil and some type of oil/lifter treatment added.As for the oil pump, it only takes 15 minutes to switch it out, so not a big deal to do after the fact.If that doesn't work, there is a DIY on here on how to disassemble, clean, and bleed your lifters manually.

[aznpinoymike]

Ok thanks man im gonna try putting in the oil treatment for lifters today. I'll let you know what happens.

[aznpinoymike]

I used the oil detergent than let the car run for a hour and the tapping noise disappeared! I'm stayin positive about this, hopefully the tapping doesn't appear outta nowhere again... i'll just run the car everyday. Thanks for the help

[cbt240sx]

What kind of "Oil Detergent " did you use? I am having the same issue.

[rbcardz]

I have the same thing. Its most likely the timing chain rubbing against the upper chain guide. Just remove the chain guide as shown here, because it serves no purpose. Ive been driving mine now for a month still making the noise, so its really no big deal. http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=105618

[90sxappeal]

I would say if you have that much wear on your chain its rubbing the upper guide its time to replace it. I had done a GUNK motor flush on mine when i changed the head gasket, and mine done the samething i used LUCAS oil stabilizer. It worked great.

[aznpinoymike]

The oil detergent that I used was called Soldier Seal Gunk Valve Medic. It's in a yellow container that can be found in AutoZone or Advance Auto stores for like $5.

[Cone Junky]

I used the oil detergent than let the car run for a hour and the tapping noise disappeared! I'm stayin positive about this, hopefully the tapping doesn't appear outta nowhere again... i'll just run the car everyday. Thanks for the help

Glad it worked out for you. I have recently been battling with my lifters and the treatment seemed to work for me to. Now I know why they recommend replacing the rocker assemblies everytime they are pulled off.

[cbt240sx]

Thanks!!