Rod knock or lifter? 3.1 engine 1996
dynodan
03-18-2004, 05:27 PM
:2cents: Well I have a 1996 lumina with the 3.1 engine. When I drive the car for about 10 miles turn it off . Then say drive the car for a short 2 block trip turn it off. Then restart it will have a loud ticking noise like that of a rocker or lifter, like running on 5 cyclinders, but no engine light will come on. I lose alot of power trying to get it up to speed like it stalling between 0 to 40mph . I have swapped out the spark plugs,wires and one of the coils.
The problem went away then started up when I did the same thing as above . But now the noise stays even when the engine is started in the morning cold.
Dyno
The problem went away then started up when I did the same thing as above . But now the noise stays even when the engine is started in the morning cold.
Dyno
CANADA43
10-20-2004, 12:54 PM
I assume you have already serviced this problem in the time since your posting, but just in case ( and for others looking for answers):
Sounds just like my 1996 Trans Sport 3.4L which had a common problem: intake manifold gasket leak, allowing coolant into the oil ( and vice versa). This creates sludge in oil which clogs the hydraulic lifters and keeps them from extending ( ie, they collapse) so that valves don't open and generate power on that cylinder. This is exactly what happened on my engine. In Canada, the Automobile Protection Association (APA) is taking a survey from owners suffering this problem (www.APA.Ca).
The dealer estimate to repair was $1200 CDN.; I bought the gaskets for $100 plus some other supplies and did the job at home -- only for the mechanically adventurous-- you have to strip A LOT of parts off the engine to get at the heart of the problem, then clean everything of sludge, especially the lifters ( or replace with new). Dealer labour allowance is 9.4 hrs; it took me 5 days to complete.
I recall seeing other postings which adressed the same problem.
Regards
Sounds just like my 1996 Trans Sport 3.4L which had a common problem: intake manifold gasket leak, allowing coolant into the oil ( and vice versa). This creates sludge in oil which clogs the hydraulic lifters and keeps them from extending ( ie, they collapse) so that valves don't open and generate power on that cylinder. This is exactly what happened on my engine. In Canada, the Automobile Protection Association (APA) is taking a survey from owners suffering this problem (www.APA.Ca).
The dealer estimate to repair was $1200 CDN.; I bought the gaskets for $100 plus some other supplies and did the job at home -- only for the mechanically adventurous-- you have to strip A LOT of parts off the engine to get at the heart of the problem, then clean everything of sludge, especially the lifters ( or replace with new). Dealer labour allowance is 9.4 hrs; it took me 5 days to complete.
I recall seeing other postings which adressed the same problem.
Regards
Kooterskkar
10-21-2004, 01:07 AM
The best thing is to replace the gasket and run some motor flush to get all the sludge out. Then put in some 5w-30 and a can of seafoam. Seafoam will collect the water and it will all float off to the side of the oil pan. Change the oil after about a week and all the water and sludge will come out with it.
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