No Help:Tapping Noise after Valve Gasket Replacement!
10-31-2007, 07:20 PM
#16
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Do you not have to remove the plugs to replace the gaskets for the valve covers. You do have to remove the plug wires from the plugs though. If they removed the plugs (for some reason other than the covers) then its possible they have not tightened them up. If they charged you to remove the plugs for the change then have a talk with your mechanic. They might have removed the mufflers (its not an exhaust leak, right?) as well.
I doubt if overtightening the cover will cause the rockers to touch...there is room in there. you did not have the lifters replaced as well? They might be noisy. If original lifters then they should have not gotten close to them.
"dry out:" is that the lifters are filled with oil and have been known to drain out if they sit for a while especially if they are worn. It might take a bit of time for them to become fully pressurized and ready again...they would make quite a tapping noise in the meanwhile.
Did you take it back to the shop and ask them about it?
This is why I do all my own DIY...I know exactly what was touched, what sound is from where, etc. I know its not for everyone though so you need to take it back and ask.
Cheers,
Mike
I doubt if overtightening the cover will cause the rockers to touch...there is room in there. you did not have the lifters replaced as well? They might be noisy. If original lifters then they should have not gotten close to them.
"dry out:" is that the lifters are filled with oil and have been known to drain out if they sit for a while especially if they are worn. It might take a bit of time for them to become fully pressurized and ready again...they would make quite a tapping noise in the meanwhile.
Did you take it back to the shop and ask them about it?
This is why I do all my own DIY...I know exactly what was touched, what sound is from where, etc. I know its not for everyone though so you need to take it back and ask.
Cheers,
Mike
10-31-2007, 07:44 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
Do you not have to remove the plugs to replace the gaskets for the valve covers. You do have to remove the plug wires from the plugs though. If they removed the plugs (for some reason other than the covers) then its possible they have not tightened them up. If they charged you to remove the plugs for the change then have a talk with your mechanic. They might have removed the mufflers (its not an exhaust leak, right?) as well.
I doubt if overtightening the cover will cause the rockers to touch...there is room in there. you did not have the lifters replaced as well? They might be noisy. If original lifters then they should have not gotten close to them.
"dry out:" is that the lifters are filled with oil and have been known to drain out if they sit for a while especially if they are worn. It might take a bit of time for them to become fully pressurized and ready again...they would make quite a tapping noise in the meanwhile.
Did you take it back to the shop and ask them about it?
This is why I do all my own DIY...I know exactly what was touched, what sound is from where, etc. I know its not for everyone though so you need to take it back and ask.
Cheers,
Mike
I doubt if overtightening the cover will cause the rockers to touch...there is room in there. you did not have the lifters replaced as well? They might be noisy. If original lifters then they should have not gotten close to them.
"dry out:" is that the lifters are filled with oil and have been known to drain out if they sit for a while especially if they are worn. It might take a bit of time for them to become fully pressurized and ready again...they would make quite a tapping noise in the meanwhile.
Did you take it back to the shop and ask them about it?
This is why I do all my own DIY...I know exactly what was touched, what sound is from where, etc. I know its not for everyone though so you need to take it back and ask.
Cheers,
Mike
10-31-2007, 08:00 PM
#18
Drifting
Thanks Mike. The car certainly doesn't "sit", I drive her regularly. The DIY is becoming more attractive...but that has it's perils too. Must make an investment in tools, and have/develop the mechanical skills. But I think I'm headed that direction, because tonight I'm buying a spark plug socket set and gonna see if those damn plugs are loose!
mar
10-31-2007, 09:51 PM
#19
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Like Mike said, the plugs stay in for v/c gasket replacements. Possibly they reversed a plug wire and your hear a ping? Longshot, but that would make more sense to me.
10-31-2007, 09:56 PM
#20
Drifting
10-31-2007, 10:19 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
I had the same exact problem when I replaced my drivers side lower cover gasket. My mechanic told me to pull the plugs back out and push a big dab of lithium grease into the end of the plug covers. He said the plug covers tend to dry out over time causing the problem. I did this and re-seated the plugs. Worked like a charm - no more tapping.
Hope this helps.
JC
Hope this helps.
JC
10-31-2007, 11:25 PM
#23
Burning Brakes
Another thing to consider is that lifters are VERY sensitive to contaminants. And when the crapped out old valve cover gaskets are removed, there is huge potential for crud getting in there, if the individual doing the work is not very careful. Doesn't take much to make a lifter get stuck.
11-01-2007, 02:08 PM
#24
Drifting
I replaced my lower gaskets last year and never encountered this kind of tapping so I seriously doubt it goes along with the new gaskets which leads me to agree it is a stuck lifter.
ZP44
ZP44
11-01-2007, 03:38 PM
#25
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Thread Starter
I've listened again after a long drive, and it doesn't seem as bad/loud. But just as a precaution, I'm taking her over to Robin's tonight. He'll either tell me I need to get back on my medication because I'm hearing things, or it's one of the issues described in prior threads. Nevertheless, thanks for the help guys....this is why I LUV this place. Either way, I'll let you know what the outcome is.
11-01-2007, 04:15 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
I had the same exact problem when I replaced my drivers side lower cover gasket. My mechanic told me to pull the plugs back out and push a big dab of lithium grease into the end of the plug covers. He said the plug covers tend to dry out over time causing the problem. I did this and re-seated the plugs. Worked like a charm - no more tapping.
Hope this helps.
JC
Hope this helps.
JC
sorry maybe i am misunderstanding you..
thanks
11-01-2007, 09:36 PM
#27
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Thread Starter
Ok. I feel like the 12 year old girl scout screaming about a poisonous spider when it's a harmless ant. Robin smacked me upside the head, and said "Hey, that's your valves, man, that's the way they're SUPPOSED to sound." "Really."
"Yeah, really."
"So, I've panicked for nothing."
"Yes, you have."
Dan V. you were on the money. Thanks guys. I'll be more diligent next time.
A second-gear Italian tuneup once or twice a day is all you need...
11-01-2007, 10:34 PM
#29
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All's well that ends well! 
Ok. I feel like the 12 year old girl scout screaming about a poisonous spider when it's a harmless ant. Robin smacked me upside the head, and said "Hey, that's your valves, man, that's the way they're SUPPOSED to sound."
"Really."
"Yeah, really."
"So, I've panicked for nothing."
"Yes, you have."
Dan V. you were on the money. Thanks guys. I'll be more diligent next time.
Ok. I feel like the 12 year old girl scout screaming about a poisonous spider when it's a harmless ant. Robin smacked me upside the head, and said "Hey, that's your valves, man, that's the way they're SUPPOSED to sound." "Really."
"Yeah, really."
"So, I've panicked for nothing."
"Yes, you have."
Dan V. you were on the money. Thanks guys. I'll be more diligent next time.
11-02-2007, 09:43 AM
#30
Rennlist Member
Yes, the rubber covers going onto the plugs. they tend to dry out over time and expand causing a gap at the plug junction. Once the wheel is off it takes 5 minutes to "grease" all the plug covers - so it's definitely worth a try.
JC
JC