Engine clatter after motor install.. HELP

[808_SpyderGST]

I just finished my install clutch, short block, head. Well I primed the system and it seemed okay, the starter was turning the crank, fuel injectors good. I pluged in the spark plug wires and let her go. She started and all I could hear was slap slap clack clack. The worst engine sound just pure engine clatter. The motor just clattered and sputtered, I had to rev it to keep it going.

What is wrong with my motor?

 

[arash15]

I just finished my install clutch, short block, head. Well I primed the system and it seemed okay, the starter was turning the crank, fuel injectors good. I pluged in the spark plug wires and let her go. She started and all I could hear was slap slap clack clack. The worst engine sound just pure engine clatter. The motor just clattered and sputtered, I had to rev it to keep it going.

What is wrong with my motor?

do u have forged internals?

 

[808_SpyderGST]

do u have forged internals?

No stock 7 bolt rebuild, I looking to make about 350 at the wheels eventually. Plus I'm on a serious budget!

 

[Maglin]

Do you have oil pressure? Did you plastigague your rod and main bearings when you installed them? Are you even sure that the pistons are the right ones if they are new? It is a possibility that the motor was rebuilt before and the crank could have been turned or the cylenders bored out and if you replaced the pistons with stock size pistons they would make a ton of noise. And if the crank was turned and you didn't check the bearing clearances and installed stock size bearings in their the main and/or rod bearins would be loose making a lot of noise.

When on a budget those are the few things you have to check. Chances are you are going to have to pull the motor back out and apart and check/replace stuff. Even if you didn't have oil pressure it wouldn't be making a ton of noise. It would just lock up after about 10-90 seconds depending on all the clearances. I know first hand on one of my frist "budget" rebuilds. Was a V-8 but a motor is a motor. Rookie mistakes. I was only 13 so I also wasn't as versed either.

 

[808_SpyderGST]

Do you have oil pressure? Did you plastigague your rod and main bearings when you installed them? Are you even sure that the pistons are the right ones if they are new? It is a possibility that the motor was rebuilt before and the crank could have been turned or the cylenders bored out and if you replaced the pistons with stock size pistons they would make a ton of noise. And if the crank was turned and you didn't check the bearing clearances and installed stock size bearings in their the main and/or rod bearins would be loose making a lot of noise.

When on a budget those are the few things you have to check. Chances are you are going to have to pull the motor back out and apart and check/replace stuff. Even if you didn't have oil pressure it wouldn't be making a ton of noise. It would just lock up after about 10-90 seconds depending on all the clearances. I know first hand on one of my frist "budget" rebuilds. Was a V-8 but a motor is a motor. Rookie mistakes. I was only 13 so I also wasn't as versed either.

The block came assembled all I did was install the block bolt the head on and run all the connections. Then I did the exhaust manifold, intake, electrical and vaccum lines. As far as oil pressure I'm not to sure, the gauge seems okay but I'm not sure how to ensure oil pressure is good. I ran the engine with out the plug wires just off the starter it sounds good. Only problem is when combustion occurs, thats when I hear all the clatter.

 

[peregrine]

probably your lifters. did you soak them in oil before starting it? if they get bled dry they take a while to pump up after the initial start.

 

[DSMJim]

probably your lifters. did you soak them in oil before starting it? if they get bled dry they take a while to pump up after the initial start.

Mine took 15 minutes of ideling listening to WHAK WHAK WHAK WHAK as if the motor was about to die. It got quieter as time when and eventually turned into a nice purrr.. If the head was taken off the lifter lost all their pressure and it does take longer then you think for them to pump up, trust me. I was crappin my pants on the weekend after putting in my motor. Just let her go, it will clear up.

 

[808_SpyderGST]

Mine took 15 minutes of ideling listening to WHAK WHAK WHAK WHAK as if the motor was about to die. It got quieter as time when and eventually turned into a nice purrr.. If the head was taken off the lifter lost all their pressure and it does take longer then you think for them to pump up, trust me. I was crappin my pants on the weekend after putting in my motor. Just let her go, it will clear up.

Thanx Jim you were right it just needed to run for a little while it's much better now. Although I pulled the valve cover off and let her run. She is purring now although I still have minimal noise. With the cover off I could play with the lifters and they have alot of movement except the ones the cams where pushed on. All that play and movement seems to be the noise I am hearing. I know DSM's always have lifter tick but it's still a little louder than normal. I'm going to drive her and make some pulls, and see what happens. Hopefully it will clear up fully.

 

[peregrine]

yeah your welcome !

 

[808_SpyderGST]

Update!


CAR STALLED AND IM ####ED!

Drove it around lightly and the lifter noise remained but softer, also most normal lifter tick. Was in second gear and came to a stop sign car stalled out, went to urn it over and clank, clank. All pulleys and belts spin except the timing belt. Push it back home and all the spark plus are good, I try to spin the cranks with a 17 mm wrench and no luck. I think something seized

So now I have to pull the belts off and see if the crank will spin freely, oil pump and try the cams!

 

[808_SpyderGST]

Well its the intake cam thats the problem it has seezed up. Which would explain the lifter noise. I guess I'll call the machine shop who did the head and bi*** at them try to get it fixed under warranty

It was so nice driving my ride, its been five months and now after 20 minutes of enjoyment I'll have to wait even longer
damn it

 

[Maglin]

sorry to hear that. You should see if the cam journal caps are in order. it is possible that they didn't bother to look at the numbers on top of them and installed them in the wrong order. That could cause the cam to sieze. Hell I would even have them pay to pull the engine as it's their fault. Another possible problem could still be low oil pressure. They maybe didn't install the oil squirters correctly or maybe they didn't clean them and one or two is stuck open. Lots of possibilities. Also make sure they get you a new timing belt. I'm sure it's pretty f****ed up now with that cam seizure.

 

[808_SpyderGST]

sorry to hear that. You should see if the cam journal caps are in order. it is possible that they didn't bother to look at the numbers on top of them and installed them in the wrong order. That could cause the cam to sieze. Hell I would even have them pay to pull the engine as it's their fault. Another possible problem could still be low oil pressure. They maybe didn't install the oil squirters correctly or maybe they didn't clean them and one or two is stuck open. Lots of possibilities. Also make sure they get you a new timing belt. I'm sure it's pretty f****ed up now with that cam seizure.

What are the cam journal caps?