Thread: Weird Tapping from back of engine

I just need some opinions as far as what to look for. I noticed a tapping sound in the back of my engine after my header install, but forgot about it. Yesterday i was noticed it again and figured i'd ask if anyone knows what it is. Standing on the driver's side, it sounds like its coming from the rear valve cover or EGR pipe on the exhaust, but i dont knw. My headers arent touching anything, and my trans stick is ziptied to the brake booster hose ( i think)....i cant remember right now. Its weird because when i rev the engine even a lil bit it goes away. It's only when the engine is idling that the tapping is present.

could be a lifter tick or even your fuel injectors just being noisy.

is lifter tick bad? im not too worried if its just the fuel injectors being noisy

knocking coming from the back of your engine?, perhaps there is a little person in there wanting to get out

If your very unlucky it could be the flex plate.

Originally Posted by dsmuts

If your very unlucky it could be the flex plate.

like, it could be bent?

cracked or bent

guess i'll b checking that...hope dats not it

If it is a tapping sound, could be an exhaust leak coming from the manifold. This would be my first guess since you said you just did a header install. Maybe you didn't you didn't torque them enough or just got a bad gasket.

Rear manifold / downpipe leak?

Edit: Negger is a Ninjer!

I do remember reading that SD's are known to have leaks. how do u check for exhaust leaks?

feel around and see if you can feel any spots where exhaust is blowing out if not then put some seafoam in it and look for where the smoke comes out.

ok, i'll do that...thanks. hopefully its an easy fix

Originally Posted by pontiacgtp24

Sounds like a lifter issue.Get yourself a quart of lucas engine oil stabailzer poor it in at next oil change and see if the noise has decreased.could also be manifold leak but they sound completley different.does the noise seem louder when it cold but goes away when its warm?those hydro-lifters in gms are a common problem .my grand am 3.4 did the same thing

I'll have to check, i never took a listen once the engine warmed up. its not noticeable unless the hood is open and i'm standing on the driver side. but i'll try listening at cold and warm. im really hoping its just an exhaust leak.

Originally Posted by dsmuts

feel around and see if you can feel any spots where exhaust is blowing out if not then put some seafoam in it and look for where the smoke comes out.

the seafoam idea seems like a good one, but it sucks cuz i seafoam my engine every 2 months, and i just did it about a week ago, so i doubt they'll be much smoke if any. everytime i do it, the smoke is lighter and lighter...kinda sucks, cuz i like the smoke show lol

Originally Posted by pontiacgtp24

your talking about a top engine cleaner if im not mistaken.that wont help this problem.its lucas motor oil addative.it a quart of oil thick as molasses. the idea is thicker oil means less oil pressure leak down from a hydo-lifter seal.Its hit and miss but its only 10$ for the stuff.worth a shot and it cant hurt the engine.if you posted a vedio of the car making the noise that would help narrow it down

oh nah, i meant the seafoam for the idea of seeing if i have a leaky exhaust by lookin for smoke seeping. but im gonna try the lucas to see if it helps