New to Turbos, have som questions

[AlphaAssault]

Heres something I noticed tonight. There is a clicking coming from under the hood. Now i know, clicking is a vague description, so i will try to describe it. It follows the RPMs of the engine, the faster the engine, the faster the clicks. Im almost positive its not lifter tick, because (correct me if Im wrong) I get lifter tick for the first 2 seconds after I start the car in the cold, then it goes away. This click is much more subtle than the clicks i get when starting cold. I can only really here them when i am idling; they are very vague. these clicks are only about 1/3 or 1/4 as loud as the cold lifters. SO, am I correct in thinking this is just the injectors ticking? How do i get them to stfu?

In case this is pertinent, my car stalled for the first time today. I had just started it up, and the mass airflow sensor was acting up (the MAF was rebuilt by the previous owner, and it works, just not well), so the idle was fluctuating pretty hardcore. It sputtered for a bit, acted like it was going to go back up, then died. When it stopped, the check oil light came on. I jumped out and checked the oil lvl, but it looked alright. Looked under the car for leaks, etc... and found none. So i got back in, started the GSX up, and it idled fine this time. Whats up with that? What else could be the problem for this idle fluctuation, if not the MAF?

Aaaaaand finally, every time i hear the blow-off valve do its thing, i smell exhaust. is this normal?

 

[silver bullit]

Check your tps sensor, your sparkplug wires for cuts etc in them and check for exhaust leaks.

 

[AlphaAssault]

If you can narrow down what needs to be replaced to fix the idle, Im sure I can find it the local junk yard. So far, I have heard that the bad idle is caused bt the Idle Air Controller, the Mass Airflow Sensor, and the Throttle Position Sensor. I dont feel like replacing all three, so will someone please specify which one is most likely to cause a fluctuating idle.

 

[m3etr]

try removing the idle air control and clean it. This is an cheap way to diagnose your idle problem.I personally dont think leaking exhaust gasket would cause your ticking problem, because it would be real loud at first cold start. You might have a couple worn lifters, i had the same ticking noise. I replaced mine when i changed cams and that solved the problem. The price for 16 lifters from the dealer is very pricey though.

 

[AlphaAssault]

Check your tps sensor, your sparkplug wires for cuts etc in them and check for exhaust leaks.

Ok, hang on a second. Silver, are you telling me this is how I can check for just one, or all of the issues I mentioned? If you are referring to just one problem, tell me which one.

try removing the idle air control and clean it. This is an cheap way to diagnose your idle problem.I personally dont think leaking exhaust gasket would cause your ticking problem, because it would be real loud at first cold start. You might have a couple worn lifters, i had the same ticking noise. I replaced mine when i changed cams and that solved the problem. The price for 16 lifters from the dealer is very pricey though.

I have heard a leaky exhaust gasket before, thats more of a clatter. This is, like i said, a very subtle clicking. I *dont* think its the lifters because the clicks after it warms up arent nearly as loud as the initial ones. Still, what is the difference between lifter tick and injector click?

 

[Icarus]

You may want to update your profile. It says you have a NA Talon, but you're talking about your BOV. If you've installed a turbo, what setup did you use?

Also unless you have some significant mods to your car, you shouldn't be hearing your BOV. You mention you have a MAF, does that mean a GM MAF on blow through setup? Because if you're venting instead of recirculating, that could be the source of some of your peoblems

 

[AlphaAssault]

Sorry. Ive got a 92 Talon with a broken clutch, but im talking about my "new" 1g GSX for this thread. The GSX isnt heavily modded. Its got an aftermarket blow-off valve (the thing that makes a 'whoosh' when you push in the clutch) and thats about it actually. The engine in the GSX was rebuilt on 02, so the new engine has 40k miles on it, if this helps at all.

 

[Raph]

Is your BOV rerouted in the intake???if it isnt,you may stall out while coming to a stop .

Is the stock MAS in the car?

The clicking can be your fuel injectors, your plug wires damaged or a cracked exhaust manifold..

you need to be more specific when describing a problem (and not girl like..there was this noise ..um click woosh bang)

Not meaning to be harsh or rude,but im telling you this so you can get the best possible help.

 

[AlphaAssault]

I apologize, I thought I was being specific :/ im finding it difficult to accurately distinguish and describe the clicking coming from my engine, and the various clickings coming from everyone elses engines. I like to think I have the clicking narrowed down to either lifter tick or injector tick. Im not sure how to distinguish the two though. This is something I would like for someone to tell me, how to distinguish the two.

Also, as far as I know the MAS is rebuilt, but stock. As for what the blow-off is connected to, I couldnt tell you right now. Ill take a look tomorrow. Like I said this is my first turbo car, and I am still learning about all this turbo-ish stuff. I was under the impression the sound of the blow-off valve was quite noticeable and distinct. It is in my car.

 

[Icarus]

If you can take picts would be helpful. Also this guide may help when trying to locate and identfy the parts you are talking about.

1G visual-index

 

[turboglenn]

Well, i may not know what's wrong, but maybe i can help you diagnose it. Either get a mechanics stethascope(sp?) or a long screwdriver to listen for where teh noise is.. The stethascope is self explanitory, but you can put the handle of a long screwdriver up to your ear and then touch teh other end to parts of the motor. You'll be amazed how much that will allow you to hear that you normally wouldn't. Find exactly where teh noise is loudest adn report back.

 

[AlphaAssault]

Ok, it sounds like the clicking is coming from the driver's side of the valve cover. I poked around with a long wooden rod, and this seems to be where the ticks are coming from. The sound was much more noticeable today than it was last night. Is lifter tick harmful to my engine?

 

[turboglenn]

Not really harmfull, just mainly annoying. I'm sure tehre could be some ill effects at high RPMs but they usually pump up and stop clicking in the higher revs. I guess you could have a rocker jump off track in teh worst case. Some one please correct me if i am wrong.