Epilogue: Clattering

[Dominiq]

After replacing the rocker arms and shafts I had the camshaft (which had some worn journals), pushrods and tappets replaced. The sound remained. We then added a quart of ATF to the oil. The sound disappeared after about a week. It has now been about two weeks and the sound has not reappeared. Some at RPI Engineering said that the sound was a result of a blown cylinder liner; but it appears not to be so.

 

[discomike]

When you were in the engine, how gummed up was it?
I would suggest you do another flush soon and stay on top of it so no additional carbon/varnish related noises come back.
Good luck,
Mike J.

 

[Monty]

Mike, when I did my last oil change, I added about three quarts of atf, like you suggested to clean some of the carbon deposits. I noticed that the noise also went away and the engine ran so quietly, it was nice. Is there anything wrong with running a quart of atf for longer periods of time? I know the atf only masks the problem but I was just curious. TIA

 

[discomike]

ATF is so thin and of such a high detergant level that it is great for short term but I wouldn't put it under a load for long. We used ATF in the shop with great results but only long enough to do a good flush.
You might want to consider putting a qt. in and running it for a half hour or so then draining.
At some point you may want to pull the pan and make sure the pick up tube is plugging up cause you will be moving it around.
Good luck,
Mike j.

 

[Dominiq]

There did not appear to be much gumming where we could see it, but there was some. Thanks. I plan to add some ATF a few days before the next oil change. By the way, do you recommend using AMZOIL?

 

[discomike]

I don't have any position on Amzoil, I use Castrol 20/50 synthetic blend and Lucas with a K&N 3001 oil filter on 3000 mile oil changes.
Mike J.

 

[Monty]

Mike, do you run the 20/50 in winter? Also, is there anything that I can do to quiet the clatter?

 

[discomike]

I live in Santa Barbara and run 20/50 year around.
When do you get the clatter, how many miles on the engine??

Mike J.

 

[Dominiq]

I looked at an Amsoil site; according to the specs from 2003 Amsoil, which invented synthetic oils in 1972, is far superior to Mobil 1 and Castrol. It is stated that the recommended duration of use is 3x that of any other synthetic oil. As it costs $8.50 per quart, that would be economical.

 

[Monty]

Mike, the clatter is loudest on cold starts, ie morning. Its not so bad when the engine has warmed up but the clatter is still noticeable, just not as bad. The truck has 92k on it.

BTW, I use Mobil 1 10/30 plus Lucas and just did my second oil change since I've had the truck. I planned on pulling the oil pan last change but couldn't get to it b/c of a pinched nerve in my right arm. Infact, I had to have my dad do the oil change for me and I didn't want to have to ask him to drop the oil pan too.