Lets play a game: Mystery Noise

[LTb1ow]

eIo1LuknVto

Its not any of the following:
Belt, or pulley related
Suspension related
Driveline related
Engine valvetrain related

Now, with all that there, what would you guess the kind of noise was? I don't need specifics as to what on this car is making the noise, just toss some ideas out.

[ThoR294]

im guessing the car isn't moving

[V]

sounds like a dash rattle or something... maybe 2 pieces of plastic rubbing

[Jersey Mike]

Optispark

[LTb1ow]

im guessing the car isn't moving

Incorrect, think it was a 65 to 75mph area

sounds like a dash rattle or something... maybe 2 pieces of plastic rubbing

Interesting, that could def be it.

Optispark

Perhaps.

[WildBillyT]

Does it do it sitting at idle, revving?

Are you sure it's an underhood noise vs. driveline?

[LTb1ow]

Not at idle, you need to blip the throttle to have it make noise in park.

Going up and down the lift seemed to narrow it down to driver side, near the firewall, and that was obviously in park, so I am crossing out driveline.

[WildBillyT]

What did you guys check when it was on the lift? Any chance it could be a tiny exhaust leak?

[BonzoHansen]

Loose nut behind the wheel?

[LTb1ow]

What did you guys check when it was on the lift? Any chance it could be a tiny exhaust leak?

Just checked clearance between everything and then Adam/BLS listened with mechanic stethoscope while I blipped throttle.

It could be an exhaust leak for sure, just isn't a very obvious one. No soot build up or ticking at idle.

[WildBillyT]

Just checked clearance between everything and then Adam/BLS listened with mechanic stethoscope while I blipped throttle.

It could be an exhaust leak for sure, just isn't a very obvious one. No soot build up or ticking at idle.

Next question:

Any thermal part to it? In other words, if you let the thing run for an hour or so does the noise change? Just thinking pipe expansion.

[LTb1ow]

Negative, it will do it when cold or hot. No change in sound level IMO.

[WildBillyT]

Sorry for all the random thoughts. LOL.

Did you do a full HVAC delete? No blower motor?

[LTb1ow]

Thats what the thread is for, we are out of ideas so anything, off the wall is all good :lol:

And yes, all HVAC is gone.

[WildBillyT]

Is it in any way boost referenced? Like it shows up under boost but not vacuum? Or the opposite?

[LTb1ow]

Is it in any way boost referenced? Like it shows up under boost but not vacuum? Or the opposite?

It shows up regardless of engine vac/boost.

[Mike]

I know you clearances exhaust. But have you checked intercooler and cold side piping to bumper and bumper related parts?

[The_Bishop]

That says 'mechanical squeaking' to me. Something rubbing under the dash, maybe? You eliminated the ABS, right? Possibly the brake lines rubbing on something, or the proportioning valve?

[LTb1ow]

I know you clearances exhaust. But have you checked intercooler and cold side piping to bumper and bumper related parts?

Yup, everything is free to move without getting close to anything.

That says 'mechanical squeaking' to me. Something rubbing under the dash, maybe? You eliminated the ABS, right? Possibly the brake lines rubbing on something, or the proportioning valve?

Yes, ABS is gone and prop valve is in the rear. I will start looking for loose things under the dash this weekend.

Keep the ideas coming guys, appreciate em

[grazi]

Could it be a chipmunk and/or gerbil playing a mini snare drum in the hvac vents?

[ThoR294]

If you take the drive belt off does the noise happen? Just to 100% eliminate belt.... Cause it damn sounds like a belt lol

[98RedRocket]

Sounds like the vent blower motor or possible tire out of balance.

[Mike]

Sounds like the vent blower motor or possible tire out of balance.

Doesn't have hvac any more and it makes the noise at idle

[The_Bishop]

He already did the belt pull thing.

Water pump, electric or manual? Another wild idea.

[LTb1ow]

Could it be a chipmunk and/or gerbil playing a mini snare drum in the hvac vents?

Would be cool, but I don't think they would survive in my death trap.

If you take the drive belt off does the noise happen? Just to 100% eliminate belt.... Cause it damn sounds like a belt lol

Does it without belt on.

Sounds like the vent blower motor or possible tire out of balance.

No HVAC what so ever is in car. Tire out of balance is possible but does it in park.

He already did the belt pull thing.

Water pump, electric or manual? Another wild idea.

EWP, idler transmission removed from block.

[//<86TA>\\]

Passengerside seat vibrating?

[JL8Jeff]

It sounds like it happens when you're hitting the gas so maybe look around the throttle body or cable or even the gas pedal where it mounts. It sure is an annoying sound though!

[ThoR294]

Know anyone with one of those fancy sound tracers? They like clip on to locations in the car and you can switch between spots in the car so u can hunt it down lol

[LTb1ow]

Well, I think I found it.

Decided to open up the cutout (it sounds better and spools better) and on a whim, tossed some hose over the brake lines where they dive behind the brake booster. IDK if its in my head, but squeak is gone.

Other than that, 76mm whistle is zamazings.:mrgreen:

[The_Bishop]

So it was the brake lines rubbing?! What do I win? :laugh:

[LTb1ow]

http://www.unitedhookah.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Willy-Wonka-You-Get-Nothing-560x420.jpg

Will take some more test drives tmmr and verify noise is gone.

[The_Bishop]

http://media.giphy.com/media/qL2kQFdyzApRS/giphy.gif

[Blackbirdws6]

Gtfo.... hope its gone though.

[sweetbmxrider]

My guess is its the cutout plate or hardware.

[ThoR294]

nuts loose in drivers seat

[LTb1ow]

Noise still remains, just can't hear it as well over the turbo whistle.

[LTb1ow]

Smoking gun theory part duex?!

http://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech.com-vbulletin/1024x576/80-20150720_185518_zpsulorleaw_3171a98b32f5fbd4887691 f6b54be2c64901c7c1.jpg

[Blackbirdws6]

I think we all generally agreed exhaust leak from that whole area lol. Does the flange look flat?

[LTb1ow]

Not sure yet, will be tossing on mill bed at lunch to check.

[ThoR294]

yowsa. what gaskets are those? hopefully the flange is flat like brian said lol

[sweetbmxrider]

I think we all generally agreed exhaust leak from that whole area lol. Does the flange look flat?

Didn't we say that a bazillion time?

:-x

[LTb1ow]

Didn't we say that a bazillion time?

:-x

Calm down sir, I never said it wasn't the gasket leaking. I was trying every option I could before pulling the header off. Two hours of misery so didn't wanna do that for nothing.

[sweetbmxrider]

Calm down sir, I never said it wasn't the gasket leaking. I was trying every option I could before pulling the header off. Two hours of misery so didn't wanna do that for nothing.

http://new2.fjcdn.com/pictures/You+may+think+im+calm+you+may+think+im+calm_c6836e _5107349.jpg

[Mike]

Thread depicts two months of misery... Two hours seems win

[LTb1ow]

After many a curse word, new header gasket in, all stud/nuts tightened down, and still makes the noise.

I give up.

[Jersey Mike]

Do you though?

[sweetbmxrider]

Did you check to see if it was straight? or if the turbo pipes are pulling it off the head maybe?

[LTb1ow]

Flange was not perfect but more than good enough. I bolted header to head and let it sit then attached crossover to it so I am fairly confident thats not causing any issues.

Back to square one.

[LTb1ow]

Eh?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUCRH_GOwak&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Blackbirdws6]

Would have been good if that guy in the vid showed if it made that noise just on the initial turn. Hmm...

[LTb1ow]

Well, theoretically tossing car in air and disconnecting converter from flexplate is "easy" then just rev it and see if noise persists.

[Blackbirdws6]

Doesn't sound like a bad idea and it would be good time to make sure they are torque'd to bink.

[LTb1ow]

Would guideplates make this noise?

[sweetbmxrider]

Maybe if your pushrods match your torque curve?

[LTb1ow]

Anyone have a good write up or info on how guideplates are supposed to be setup?

[Blackbirdws6]

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/advanced-tech-38/isky-guideplates-grinding-644923/

Not a write-up but confirms you need some clearance.

[LTb1ow]

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/advanced-tech-38/isky-guideplates-grinding-644923/

Not a write-up but confirms you need some clearance.

So verify PR hits guide plate when rotating engine over, then pull over guideplates (if hitting exists) and mill depth to slot.

Depth does not matter as its not guiding PR, correct?

[LTb1ow]

Update: Noise persists.

Swapped in adjustable guideplates and checked rockers again for damage.

At this point, the noise has been consistent with staying on one side of motor and showing itself under acceleration. Since the rockers, pushrods, lifters and guideplates have all been changed the only constant is the head. So assuming its the head, it could be valve guides, or valves themselves correct?

[Blackbirdws6]

My struggle with this is why would it only squeak during acceleration and not all the time. I wish I had an answer rather than stating the obvious. When you did the valve seals, did you feel or check for any issues with the valves?

[LTb1ow]

Negative, other than they slid in out and what not easy enough to not set off red lights in my head.

[Blackbirdws6]

Then I think I would rule out valve guides.

[LTb1ow]

If they are too loose or something though couldn't that squeak?

[Blackbirdws6]

If they were loose, yes it could but I don't follow why it wouldn't squeak all the time. Have you checked power steering or did we ever rule out belt tension?

[LTb1ow]

It does it with no belt on, its def motor related.

[sweetbmxrider]

I'd like to give it a listen again.

[LTb1ow]

Any thoughts on a flex pipe making the noise?

[3.4 grape of wrath]

Just an idea take a floor jack and apply slight amount of lift under motor, trans, exhaust system,turbo piping and anything else then test to see if vibration still exist. You can even jack up each side of car and test.

[transmaro93]

video was taking inside the car... is the noise louder from inside the car like that? If you think its in the motor have to tried to use a stethoscope while the noise is made to pinpoint what side or area of motor the noise is coming from? i didn't read this whole post by the way. Im actually usually pretty good at finding weird noises in cars. this one is interesting though. sounds to me like a squeaking bearing or something of that nature. could it possibly be the oil drive gear or something that was changed recently due to your prior issues... just a thought

[sweetbmxrider]

He thinks its the turbo vane contacting the housing, there are rub marks....

[LTb1ow]

video was taking inside the car... is the noise louder from inside the car like that? If you think its in the motor have to tried to use a stethoscope while the noise is made to pinpoint what side or area of motor the noise is coming from? i didn't read this whole post by the way. Im actually usually pretty good at finding weird noises in cars. this one is interesting though. sounds to me like a squeaking bearing or something of that nature. could it possibly be the oil drive gear or something that was changed recently due to your prior issues... just a thought

He thinks its the turbo vane contacting the housing, there are rub marks....

The noise has been consistent with every iteration of this motor. At the moment, like Adam said, I am leaning towards the issue being in the turbo. We shall see.

[LTb1ow]

For any poor soul following this train wreck, it is not the turbo. (Well it could be but not as convinced now)

How snug should the brake booster be? I can move mine around a decent amount.

[V]

Yea.... It shouldn't move. The four bolts by the brake pedal hold it pretty solid.

[LTb1ow]

AFAIK its riveted to the bracket that attaches to firewall correct?

I know the master is tight, and the firewall bolts are tight.

[sweetbmxrider]

How would that move? Throw a strap around it I guess. Mine is tight.

[The_Bishop]

How did you eliminate the turbo as a cause? I thought the bearings had a bunch of play.

[LTb1ow]

How would that move? Throw a strap around it I guess. Mine is tight.

I have no idea, but there is a very definite play in the booster/master combo. If you grab the master cyl on your car it can't move around at all?

[LTb1ow]

How did you eliminate the turbo as a cause? I thought the bearings had a bunch of play.

I looked back on pictures I had and noticed the area that I thought was wear, had been there since new. So that cancelled that idea pretty quick. I am still going to measure radial play but in due time.

[Blackbirdws6]

You did mention it made the sound since the 1st build though....

[LTb1ow]

You did mention it made the sound since the 1st build though....

Yes, but the wear mark is prior to first start up.

[Blackbirdws6]

I'm not hoping its the turbo but regardless of when the mark showed up, it could be simply squeaking since new. I would just confirm radial play is within tolerance and hopefully its within spec to rule it out.

Did you strap down the engine yet?

[LTb1ow]

Negative, need a new battery

[sweetbmxrider]

Your truck has two....

[LTb1ow]

Sadly, they are prob on their last summer as well.

[LTb1ow]

Bump for more suggestions. Noise persists, video remains valid in first post.

[DirtyBird]

Ls swap...

[3.4 grape of wrath]

PCV valve rattling?

[LTb1ow]

PCV valve rattling?

Single plane, so no PCV setup.

[LTb1ow]

So drove my car this weekend and once again was reminded of how annoying this noise is.

Any more ideas?

[3.4 grape of wrath]

Wow, can't believe your still dealing with that noise. How about motor mounts, trans mounts and torque arm mounts. Does it do it in reverse, foot on brake if you blip the throttle?

[Jersey Mike]

I went back and read for a memory jog, and I know a few years ago you said you're sure it was motor related, but if this has been through multiple iterations of builds and motor swaps with no change, have you considered body panels yet? You 60' pretty decently; things can move. Door hinges, fender bolts, nonsense behind the dash... I could see any of that resonating when angry

[ThoR294]

you ever go around the car with a stethoscope to try to trace where it is coming from?

[LTb1ow]

I went back and read for a memory jog, and I know a few years ago you said you're sure it was motor related, but if this has been through multiple iterations of builds and motor swaps with no change, have you considered body panels yet? You 60' pretty decently; things can move. Door hinges, fender bolts, nonsense behind the dash... I could see any of that resonating when angry

The interior is all coming out this winter and I will make sure its all full of sound deadening or foam.

Wow, can't believe your still dealing with that noise. How about motor mounts, trans mounts and torque arm mounts. Does it do it in reverse, foot on brake if you blip the throttle?

I will check the reverse aspect, its very hard to recreate at idle with throttle blips.

you ever go around the car with a stethoscope to try to trace where it is coming from?

See above, its difficult.