GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

General Information

Symptom

Cause

    • A light tapping noise at ½ engine speed, or any varying frequency, may indicate a valve train problem.
    • Tapping noises will typically increase with increased engine speed.
    • Before attempting to diagnose a valve train noise, check for the proper engine oil level and then allow the engine to obtain normal operating temperature.
        Following this procedure will bring all engine components to a normal state of expansion.
    • Sit in the driver's seat, then operate the engine at various speeds and listen for any abnormal engine noise.

Valve Train Noise

    • Low engine oil pressure
    • A worn or faulty oil pump
    • A loose or plugged oil pump screen
    • Loose valve rocker arm attachments (causing excessive valve lash)
    • A worn or damaged valve rocker arm ball
    • A worn valve rocker arm and/or valve pushrod
    • A broken valve spring
    • Sticking valves
    • Valve lifters worn, dirty, or faulty
    • A broken valve lifter guide
    • Engine camshaft lobes worn
    • Worn valve guides or valve stems
    • Worn or damaged valve stem keys
    • Bent valve pushrods
    • Excessive free play in the camshaft timing chain
    • Bent, broken, or damaged camshaft sprocket teeth

Diagnostic Table

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: A light tapping noise at ½ engine speed, or any varying frequency.

1

Is there valve train noise?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

Check for a high engine oil level. An engine with the engine oil level above the FULL mark on the oil level indicator allows the crankshaft counterweights to churn the engine oil into foam. When the foamy engine oil is pumped into the valve lifters, the valve lifters become noisy. A solid column of engine oil ensures proper valve lifter operation.

Is the engine oil level too high?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Drain the engine oil to the proper level.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 6

4

Check for a low engine oil level. An engine with the engine oil level below the ADD mark on the oil level indicator may allow the oil pump to pump air at high engine RPM.

Is the engine oil level below the ADD mark on the oil level indicator?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Add the engine oil as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 6

6

Check for the proper engine oil pressure. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications and Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing .

Is the engine oil pressure within specifications?

41.4 kPa (6 psi)

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Check the oil pump screen for damage or a loose fit to the oil pump.

Is the oil pump screen loose or is the oil pump screen damaged?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Repair as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 9

9

Check for a damaged oil pump or loose bolts

Refer to Oil Pump Clean and Inspect .

Is the oil pump damaged or are the bolts loose?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Repair as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 11

11

Remove and inspect the valve lifters, the valve rocker arms, and the valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Cleaning and Inspection and Valve Lifters and Guides Clean and Inspect .

Are the components worn or damaged?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the components as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 13

13

Perform an engine camshaft lobe lift test. Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Clean and Inspect .

Is the engine camshaft lobes within specifications?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the engine camshaft and valve lifters.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 15

15

Remove the engine front cover and inspect the camshaft timing chain and sprockets for excessive wear or damage.

Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection .

Are the components worn or damaged?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

16

Replace the components as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 17

17

Perform a complete disassembly of the engine and inspect all components.

Are the components worn or damaged?

--

Go to Step 18

System OK

18

Replace the components as required.

Did you complete the worn or damaged component replacement?

--

System OK

--