Possible exhaust problem?

[Ra1n]

I've noticed that around 3k rpm in first and second gear there's somewhat of a rattle until I give it more gas...same thing in third gear...maybe something loose with the exhaust? However if I'm pretty heavy with acceleration it doesn't rattle at all...I don't know...post some thought and I'll check it out.

 

[No_Skillz]

Easiest way to check is to put the car on jackstands, go underneath, and start pulling on stuff.

Sounds like a loose heat shield.

 

[Boost92awd]

Start your car up and have someone sit in the driver seat and rev the motor and have one guy look under the car and narrow down where the rattleing is coming from. Most likely its a heat sheild.

 

[Ra1n]

When I was looking around for the rattling noise I noticed some oil slowly leaking out of the spark plug to my third cylinder...is that an easy fix...just tighten in down?

 

[Ra1n]

The plug actually had bubbles from underneath it so I took the plug out and everything seemed fine, but when I started it back up the bubbles started again.

 

[rstare]

When I was looking around for the rattling noise I noticed some oil slowly leaking out of the spark plug to my third cylinder...is that an easy fix...just tighten in down?

I don't really understand what your saying.
Oil was leaking into your spark plug well?
Oil was coming out of your valve cover?
If you confirm what you are trying to say that would help alot.

 

[Ra1n]

The oil was on top of the valve cover...as for the rattle noise, I checked my entire exhaust and nothing was loose. Had my hood open though and it's actually coming from the top of the engine. It's consistent with my throttle so I figure it's something with my valves...

 

[kottyking]

Replace the valve cover gasket and spark plug seals. That should take care of your leaking.

 

[EventsCo21XL]

X2 on replacing the valve cover gasket. 420A's are notorious for valve cover gasket leaks. I'm actually in the process of doing mine right now, just gotta finish painting my spare VC.

 

[rstare]

Try pushing the clutch pedal in and see if the "rattle" noise goes away.

 

[96TurboGS]

If it’s coming from the engine grab a mechanic stethoscope.

 

[Ra1n]

You were def right about it coming from the engine. I took it to a shop and they said it's a low end knock. No telling what I'm going to have to do now except rebuild the bottom end...they said to start calling around for an engine

 

[96TurboGS]

The next step would get that stethoscope and determine whether it's coming from the head or the block. If you don't have extra money to spend for a used engine, you could always use this site and 2gnt to get the rebuild done.

 

[Ra1n]

I'll see what I'm going to have to do with this 420a. What are some possible easy engine swaps, if there is such a thing as an easy swap

 

[96TurboGS]

Depends on what you mean by “swap”. Any other 420a... yes its easy. 4g63, no unless you have years of mechanic/dsm knowledge and have access to a welder/various other tools. Witch in the end won’t be worth it, you’d be better off buying a gst/gsx after expenses.

 

[Ra1n]

I'm going to check around for another 420a unless I can fix the one already in, but if it's in the low end won't it be about the same amount of work to just swap another in?

 

[rstare]

I'm going to check around for another 420a unless I can fix the one already in, but if it's in the low end won't it be about the same amount of work to just swap another in?

I know around here I can get a engine from a junkyard for $200. If you can get a engine for that cheap it would be much easier and cheaper then rebuilding your engine.

 

[Locke]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/dsm-420a-frequently-answered-questions/305518-engine-swaps.html

 

[Ra1n]

Ok...so I have to replace a rod, but beings that has to happen I'm going to go ahead and do all of the internals with aftermarket parts and replace my head gasket and valve gasket/seals and send my head for a port job. Doing all of this will help me out later anyway, won't have to worry about boost breaking the internals now


Edit 1: This is the plan as of now anyway