macine gun noise

[ianGST]

Searching didn't really help me on this one.

I just did a head gasket job and general tune up on my '97 GS-T. The head was milled but all the old parts were reused. When I finally started the car it made a VERY loud ticking noise. Louder than lifter tick, I would say. It more closely sounds like a machine gun. I've had some people tell me this is normal for the first 10-20 mins of running after the head has been completely dry. (Once oil circulates to every little crevice it will stop making noises).

Others tell me this is a very bad sign and probably means bent valves. This seems hard to believe because I am positive the timing is right, and it is idling perfect and the exhaust note is perfectly smooth. Either way, I cut it for now until I get some more information.

Thanks in advance!

Ian

 

[TSIfreek]

Its your lifters not pumped up with oil causing the noise. This is normal after doing a big job like that since there will be no oil in the head. Keep an eve on the oil level as well low oil level will cause this as well. Dont worry about it the noise will go away.

 

[Dred]

Sorry to break the bad news, if it's very loud, so loud that you have to shout for the person next to you in order for them to hear you while standing in front of the engine, it does mean your valves just got bet. Most likely the timing plate between the main crank sprocket and the b-shaft sprockets was incorrectly installed and the tdc wasn't checked prior to doing the cam marks. If it wasn't you that did the head job, I suggest you tell them that you want them to inspect the tming again. I had this happen to me less than 3 weeks ago, cost me 500$. The engine started, and ran for ten minutes w/ machine gun noises, the died. Started up for 3 mins, died again, next time I tried cranking I heard 0 compression... checked it, yep, 0. Pulled the timing to see the plate reversed, and since the timing mark is on the actual plate and not the sprocket, it was like 60 degress off

Anyways, I hope for your sake it is lifter tick, but this is something to look for definately.

 

[ianGST]

It is loud enough but not shouting loud so I think I'm in the clear. Thanks to both of you for the great advice!

 

[TSIfreek]

If you want to check if any damage has been done do a compression test. The noise should go down after the first time out driving if the lifters are the problem.

 

[90turbotsi]

At idle or when reved? I know when the rear balance shaft is not aligned properly it makes excessive noise, vibrations and a chainsaw type noise. Dont know if this helps but I feel your best bet is a quick compression check and you will know real fast