Valve noise

[Amesdude25]

Hi all,

Have a question. Does anyone know if you have to re-torque the valve lifters every so often? I don't see any ware in the FSM that it tells you what the torque should be for each cylinder at TDC? I have a knock on one or more that NEVER goes away at idle. I've tried different types of oil at diff viscosity (including reg. semi and full synthetic) and I've flushed it many times and have replaced all cover gaskets (when I did the guides) the only thing I can think of is the oil pump and I'm going to get a gauge to read the pressure. When I did the guides I thought I should throw in oil pump but wanted to do if after I did the oil pan (doing this summer) and any guidance anyone can give for that would be helpful as well. All in all I've replace just about everything from fuel injectors, knock sensors, AAC valve, knock sensors, etc... Could the valve position sensors cause this and / or if they are out shouldn't I get a code? The only code I get is 55 which is nothings wrong. Just want to know before I pull the valve covers off again. I'm def. not pulling the intake off... although I taken if off to fix so many things I could do it in my sleep! lol

Thanks!

Danniel

[Q45tech]

Do you have any pictures of the amount of varnish that was inside the front cover when you did the guides. Pictures of cams?

HLA are non adjustable, worn followers or worn cam lobes, or sticking HLA can make a noise.

BG Quick Clean for engines is as strong as can be tolerated

[Amesdude25]

Hi Q45tech,

No I'm sorry I didn't take pictures. It was very clean though, no sludge. I've used B12 many times for I did the chains and guides and another engine flush (can't remember the name but it's in a blue can like how the old oil can's were, the one that you have to puncture). When it is completely warmed up and idling for a long time the noise goes away. I was wondering if it could be the oil pressure, but I'm sure it's not all of them. The engine has 194k and runs strong. If I remember right Palmer told me that the very first engines were really strong, although he didn't qualify that statement. Build was 8/89. I've had many a mechanic and some family members tell me I'm crazy for wanting to pull the oil pan to take out the guides that are sitting in there. Everyone tells me not to worry because the strainer won't let it get sucked up by the oil pump. What do you think Q45tech? Thanks again for your reply, it's always an honor.

Regards,

Danniel

[maxnix]

First off, tell all your family experts that the oil take up is very close to the bottom of the pan to prevent starvation. Second, the danger is not so much that the pieces will be ingested by the pump (but the ones ground small enough will and will do damage), but that the intake will get clogged and starve the engine accelerating wear. And thus your previous efforts and expenses are negated.

No idea what B12 is, but after the BG Quick Clean and employing some high detergent oils with short change intervals and BG Quick Clean, you could also consider http://www.envirolution.com I can put you in touch with the guy if you need to find a facility that can accomocated the VH45DE. There are some archived posts on oils including which are high detergent. I am sure some have changed, but you can get a good idea, or research the SAE lubrication designations.

I guarantee when you remove your oil pan, you will find sludge in the bottom too.

Great time to replace your motor mounts also! Don't forget the 3rd (transmission) mount also along with the exhaust hangers.

[Amesdude25]

Thanks maxnix, I am going to do the pan. I looked up this company's webstie and they are here in CA. Do you recommend I do the flush before or after changing the pan. I want to say after since I don't want chemicals eating away at the new gasket??? I'm also going to change the engine mounts. I've already changed the transmission mount when I replaced it around 5k ago and as for the pipe hangers they look good, what should I be looking for on ware? Thanks again!2

[maxnix]

The only reason to do it after changing the pan is if you have a lot of sludge in it. I would run some high detergent oil for short runs with BG Quick Clean within ten minutes of changing warm oil.

If that doesn't loosen your sticky HLA, then try the envirolution crankcase flush.
Modified by maxnix at 12:19 PM 4/5/2007

[Amesdude25]

Thanks maxnix, where can I get BG? I live in CA and have never seen it. Went on Ebay but seems all they have is fuel inj cleaner and oil additive but cleaner... unless the additive is the cleaner??? thx

[maxnix]

Try Joe at http://www.infinitipartsusa.com or http://www.bgfindashop.com or even eBay.

Look at http://www.bgprod.com

[Amesdude25]

Will do, thanks maxnix!