FlyingDutchman
04-01-2013, 04:19 PM
1997 Z28, just about to clock 100k. Motor was rebuilt 25k ago due to a bent rod. No mods beyond a CAI or catback.
I'll try my best to describe what's going on, trying to determine how serious my issue is and whether or not it will make 400mi from PA to NJ w/o total destruction.
Car sees regular oil changes between 3,000 to 5,000 miles of fully synthetic oils. It has an oil leak somewhere on the back of the motor already.
I changed the oil about 2 weeks ago and knew something was wrong right away because there was an odd film on the surface. While pouring the old oil back into a container to dispose of it with, I found a bunch of small metallic looking flakes in the pan. This is the first time I have ever found anything but used oil in my pan. There were quite a few pieces, I'd describe it like when you watch people pan for gold. There were also 2 small pieces larger than the rest, like maybe 0.5-1mm
I had a friend help me as I thought the oil change would be a quick, hassle-free job. He took care of cleaning the drain plug, but didn't bother to inspect it then left for night class (he did this before I found the specks throughout the oil, although he should have looked at it...). Haven't put more than 50 miles since changing the oil.
The car runs strong. No issues idling or accelerating. Oil pressure is about 60PSI cold, drops to around 20-25PSI hot. Currently running Pennzoil Platinum w/ K&N filter. Oil pressure is pretty consistent and doesn't really move around. I have seen it hiccup when hot once in a while (like a small drop, but goes back quickly), but I don't think that is a problem.
The only oddity I can find is a knocking/tapping that is real noticeable when cold, and sometimes seems to be there while hot too (I'll have to put more miles on and get the motor real hot and listen again). I used to think it was just piston slap, but now I'm not so sure.
The noise occurs around 1700 rpm and stays for a little bit as I accelerate. It sounds identical to a woodpecker and doesn't always occur every time I hit the gas, sometimes it stays for a bit, other times its there for a second or two. I would say it happens consistently when put in gear above first (2nd, 3rd, ..) when you apply a load on it. Didn't hear it in neutral (clutch in or out) or letting it idle.
Sorry for the long read, just trying to get enough information down.
Any suggestions of what it could be?
Ways to further diagnose or inspect?
Limited resources on campus in terms of automotive tools, can get hand tools and what not.
Thanks a ton in advance. Ideally I'd like to just get it home, don't have the money or any trusted mechanics out here. Would prefer to do it at home and if its a doable project I'd like to do it myself or with help to learn.
I'll try my best to describe what's going on, trying to determine how serious my issue is and whether or not it will make 400mi from PA to NJ w/o total destruction.
Car sees regular oil changes between 3,000 to 5,000 miles of fully synthetic oils. It has an oil leak somewhere on the back of the motor already.
I changed the oil about 2 weeks ago and knew something was wrong right away because there was an odd film on the surface. While pouring the old oil back into a container to dispose of it with, I found a bunch of small metallic looking flakes in the pan. This is the first time I have ever found anything but used oil in my pan. There were quite a few pieces, I'd describe it like when you watch people pan for gold. There were also 2 small pieces larger than the rest, like maybe 0.5-1mm
I had a friend help me as I thought the oil change would be a quick, hassle-free job. He took care of cleaning the drain plug, but didn't bother to inspect it then left for night class (he did this before I found the specks throughout the oil, although he should have looked at it...). Haven't put more than 50 miles since changing the oil.
The car runs strong. No issues idling or accelerating. Oil pressure is about 60PSI cold, drops to around 20-25PSI hot. Currently running Pennzoil Platinum w/ K&N filter. Oil pressure is pretty consistent and doesn't really move around. I have seen it hiccup when hot once in a while (like a small drop, but goes back quickly), but I don't think that is a problem.
The only oddity I can find is a knocking/tapping that is real noticeable when cold, and sometimes seems to be there while hot too (I'll have to put more miles on and get the motor real hot and listen again). I used to think it was just piston slap, but now I'm not so sure.
The noise occurs around 1700 rpm and stays for a little bit as I accelerate. It sounds identical to a woodpecker and doesn't always occur every time I hit the gas, sometimes it stays for a bit, other times its there for a second or two. I would say it happens consistently when put in gear above first (2nd, 3rd, ..) when you apply a load on it. Didn't hear it in neutral (clutch in or out) or letting it idle.
Sorry for the long read, just trying to get enough information down.
Any suggestions of what it could be?
Ways to further diagnose or inspect?
Limited resources on campus in terms of automotive tools, can get hand tools and what not.
Thanks a ton in advance. Ideally I'd like to just get it home, don't have the money or any trusted mechanics out here. Would prefer to do it at home and if its a doable project I'd like to do it myself or with help to learn.