2003 Chevy S-10 engine noise(ticks and rattles)

JGLAVIC1

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET S-10
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
62,000 MILES

I recently installed a new head on my dads s-10, the #3 plug was stripped tried an insert that lasted about six months and then blew out. My dad continued to drive the truck w/ out the plug in the head(even though I warned not to), any way I replaced the head back in january and it was running fine a little noise from the engine but not much, about a month ago the engine noise became excessive, I pulled the valve cover and ran the motor to check if something in the valve train was making the noise or had came loose. It wasn't. Also he claims loss of oil preassure at diffrent times. Is there any major damage that could have occured from driving on the 3 cylinders before the head got changed? Thanks

1 Reply

BRIAN 1

MECHANIC
1,030 POSTS

As far as damage, by running on 3 cylinders with the spark plug out it causes a missfire which loads the cyl with raw fuel which strips the cylinder wall of oil and loads the crankcase with fuel thinning the oil which will scratch cylinder walls, cause low oil pressure and cause a rod or main bearing to spin, which would cause a knocking noise.I would pull the engine out and tear it down and pull the pan off and see what damage it caused which was probably alot. Also with it loading it with fuel all the unburned fuel gets pushed into the cat converter and will plug it up, might have damaged the cat converter. Post back with what you find.