Short story: Rough tick at 2k RPM ONLY, not above, not below.

Long (detailed) story:

So I have a built long block (2.3) with 272 cams and the whole kit and caboodle...

Recently I changed my oil cooler kit and relayed my fans for better CFM (I doubt thus matters), added some VR1 20w50 oil. The long block has a maximum of 2000 miles probably.

I did a few street pulls for data logging, once I knew everything was fine I calmed down and took it easy for the next 3 miles or so... Stopped at a red light and once it was time to take off, I revved the engine a little and heard an unusual sound... I quickly returned home which was less than a mile away, opened up the hood and the sound wasn't audible. In fact, the sound wasn't audible after I heard it the first time at the traffic light the whole way back home EXCEPT when decelerating and the engine RPM would decrease to around 2,000 RPM, then I could hear the noise.

I kept it at idle, revved to 6k, the noise isn't there, once the revs go back down to 2k~ the noise appears then disappears when it's back at idling revs...

The best description to the noise I can make is a rough tick, which obviously made me suspect lifter tick at first, but I need to make sure from those who have experienced such an event.

I will add a clip later on, I'm currently away on a 2 day trip, I thought I'd describe my dilemma at first and probably save my phone memory of a few MBs.

P.S I also installed the English Racing Underdriven Oil Pump which retarded both exhaust and intake gears by 1/4 - 1/2 a tooth each.

Thank you.

 

Have you been using VR1 20w50, even before this noise started occurring? Reason I ask is because I have been testing a few different oils, some have given me more lifter tick noise at idle then others, but does not seem to be dependant on oil pressures. Really weird, I dont fully understand why, but it could be whats going with your setup. Rotella T6 5w40 quieted it down much more than Amsoil 10w30, but so far in testing, the Mobil 1 0w40 had completely eliminated it.

 

Yes, I've been using VR1 20w50 since 0 miles. But I have absolutely no ticking noise at idle (1000 RPM), only when it reaches 2000 RPM (not beyond 2000) the sound appears.

 

Just my two cents, here FWIW, I'd try the Mobil 0w-40 and make sure the oil temp reaches operating temp before taking it back out and see how it does. It's definitely the cheapest first step. I could see the higher viscosity oil having a harder time building up pressure in the lifters, esp. when the oil is cold. I've experienced some lifter tick just from changing oil before (no oil pressure on initial start-up). Let it get warmed up, rev it up to three grand for 20-30 seconds to build oil pressure, and see how it goes. Best of luck. If you don't like that low of a viscosity, you can find some 10w-50 around that might work for you.

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news so hopefully this isnt the case with your engine. I have seen something similar to this and it ended up being rod bearing issues causing enough play to cause a ticking sound similar to lifters, and only when you revved it up a bit to around 2k like your saying. In this case the oil had to be fully warmed up to hear it.

 

Hopefully that is not the case. I spoke to others, very reputable mechanics and tuners, they told me unless it's ticking throughout the rev range then it shouldn't be something detrimental; however, they said that draining the oil will give a more accurate diagnosis of the issue, which is what I'm going to do obviously once I get back home.

Until then, all other input is highly appreciated.

 

I have a random "tapping/ticking" at a certain RPM/load point, it is definitely in the head somewhere. I have torn the motor apart and had it inspected many times now. Recently I found a hairline crack across the "wheel" of one of my rockers. I replaced it and for the most part the noise is gone, every now and then I can faintly hear the noise. Thinking another rocker may need replaced, I would start there thoroughly inspect all of your rockers.

 

I'll be sure to check that out as well, thank you.

 

If anyone's interested, turned out to be rod bearings + oil on top of pistons... New build coming up sometime in the near future, only this time, better.

 

It sucks indeed.

This engine was built by a very well known shop, I expected it was going to last much much longer.

Keep in mind I hardly drive the car (2000 miles since March 2012), I changed engine oil 5 or 6 times during that period, I rarely ever step on it, maybe out of the 2000 miles, 200 of them were pedal on the metal miles.

Had no tuning issues whatsoever, plus the damage that occurred can not be tuning related, so that's out of the question.

And that's basically it. I babied the engine since day 1, but as we all know, **** happens, and my **** just happened a little earlier than I thought, much earlier actually.

 

It happens. In the end its just a mechanical component. You can build it to exact specs and tolerances, but it can still fail regardless. That sucks to have it happen considering the low miles though. Good luck on your rebuild.

 

True, with tear and wear, anything is possible, but one would expect more from reputable shop builds.

Nevertheless, this shall not be an obstacle for me.

This engine made 600whp @ 26psi on 93oct (no ethanol in our pump gas where I'm from), which impressed me very much. This was in 110F weather btw.

I'll probably still go with a 2.3 or maybe a 2.2, but I'm leaning towards the 2.3 more since it's less expensive and the powerband will be more streetable, which is basically what the car will be for with minor appearances in drag events.

The extra reving capability of the 2.2 is ofcourse very seductive since it will allow "full" use of larger turbos, still, I'm contemplating.

 

Oil on the top of the piston would suggest some piston damage to me which would possibly be a tuning issue. Would be interesting to see what it looks like when you pull it up.

 

I didn't take any pictures, but there was no sign of detonation on the pistons, plus I data logged regularly to keep my mind at ease.

I'll try to get some pictures next week.

 

Spinning a rod bearing is my biggest fear for the Evo! Sorry to hear about the damage.