2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Ticking noise in the engine.

FORTUNE4YOU

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

Noises problem
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cyl Automatic 70000 miles

Only have had the car for 3 months. Lower intake gaskets were replaced upon purchase do to a slight seeping. Didn't seem like anything to worry about. Shortly thereafter starting make a ticking noise, pretty sure it's coming from the engine (similiar to a sewing machine). Very loud at startup, when the engines cold. Quieter and not constant when driving, but still comes and goes. Put sea foam in the oil, changed the oil, filter no change. We pulled the spark plugs, on cylinder 4 when the wire is pulled the ticking stops. No apparent fluid leaks. No performance issues. What do you think it could be? Is there a way to check w/o tearing the engine apart?

3 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Remove valve covers and rotate engine by hand (ratchet and socket on balancer bolt), observe rocker arm movement, especially on #4 and check that pushrods are not loose, rockers are not loose/bent.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 9:40 AM

FORTUNE4YOU

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My husband is going to give that a try, but we took it into the local shop today, and they looked it over the best they could. They are certain it is an internal engine problem. Most likely the rod bearings. Just from what I've read if the rod bearings are bad mostly likely they will find other problems when they start taking it apart, or problems in the near future because of it. So I'm thinking our best bet is to replace the engine. Most likely with the cost of labor replacing the engine will be the best option. I guess we'll find out the cost tomorrow when they call back.I'm sure it won't be pretty!

They suspect it was probably sold to use with the problem, but they used heavy weight oil and some other stuff to hide the noise. So when we replaced the lower intake gasket and put regular weight oil into it the noise became obvious. My son was 15 when he bought this car, and he worked really, really hard for it the last two summers. He's only had his license for two months, and now he's got to stuck a cuple more grand into it. I feel really bad for him!

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Thursday, April 9th, 2009 AT 12:32 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Rod bearings generally make a knocking noise, this noise will not go away, vs. a "ticking" noise, which is generally valve train related (rockers, lifters, pushrods, or worst case a worn camshaft).

Some thieves will put a heavy oil in crankcase to mask the noise, but I just want you to be carefull about the diagnosis, sounds like your son has worked hard for the car and I would hate to see him pay for an engine if it is not needed.
I am not saying their diagnosis is incorrect, but be carefull, and I would get another opinion.

Another option is to get a used engine from salvage yard, the downside is that the warranty is for engine only, not labor.

More info. here:

https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/avoid_car_repair_rip_off.htm

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Thursday, April 9th, 2009 AT 9:10 AM