jbs02somws6

Hey guys. I've had my 2009 z06 for almost a year. Bought with 14k miles, one owner car. Now has 18k miles. This noise has gradually been getting louder for the last several months. It's hard to say when it started because I put Borlas on the car last summer. I don't believe it to be lifter noise. So I've narrowed it down, with help, to valve guide(s) or a rocker arm problem. Please give your thoughts or suggestions. And yes the car is in warranty, but I'm hesitant to go to the local dealers at least, due to past issues.

02sscamaro

i'm no expert, but i would have that checked asap. have the dealer pull the heads.

cyber gray

Under Warranty take it to the dealer,it could be valve train noise.
Let us know what you find out.

JetBlue427

I am not sure about your lifter or rocker noise....but I do hear a whistle noise (most likely your alternator) I had mine replaced under warranty for the same noise (which gradually got worse till it sounded like i was running a supercharger)

427ZM

It doesn't sound like a lifter at all. A bad lifter will make a distinctive ticking noise that will increase with revs. I went through 2 sets under warranty on my 09 5.3 Silverado. You will know immediately if its a lifter. Sounds pretty LS like to me? LS motors are notorious for a sewing machine type noise from the top end of the motor. It could be rocker needle bearing issue or then maybe guides, but honestly it sounds like a typical LS to me.

jbs02somws6

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm probably jumping to conclusions about the cause of the noise, but I know this noise was always there some, it is just more apparent now. Maybe I'm going I will try to find some local z's to compare it to. Any volunteers?

ClarksZ06

Doesn't sound to abnormal to me but you would be crazy not to have the valve guide wear checked!

jedblanks

Sounds a lot like my 16000 mile 07. Mine had worn guides

5280Racer

I hearing a miss and the same ticking mine did when I found the bad guides. Check your plugs and if you wam0nt pull the valve covers, there is 4 10mm bolts that hold all the coils then the valve cover bolts remove the rockers and get a valve soring compressor remove and she which guide it loose, reinstall rockers torque to 22 ft lbs. Valve covers to 106 inch lbs.

Too-Fast

It sounds a little abnormal to me, I would have it checked out or check it out for sure...pull the plugs, look for oil...easiest thing to do right away, then take the next step.

bluemagoo

I also hear the whistle noise that doesn't sound normal. Is that your concern? May be the alternator, perhaps the serpentine belt idler pulley??

Vette @ 71

Try isolating it with a metal rod placed on it and to your ear..or a stetescope. Local auto shops have them.. Careful not to touch anything but the alternator..Bad bearings will be apparent..

lilredvette05

Yeah i would take it into a reputable dealer in your area and have them check it out for sure. If you dont plan on Keeping it stock id take it to a great local tuner and let them do some heads on it or whatever else the issue may be.

jbs02somws6

No, not the whistling. What's concerning is the tapping/ticking sound easily heard at the end of the video from inside the car.

Good thing for me is that the powertrain is covered for 21 more months. I will talk to a dealer on Mon. but like I said, I'd rather avoid them unless I have a catastrophic failure generally speaking. It seems I may end up getting the guides inspected by a local dealer though if they are willing to work with me and not charge a fortune. Just wanted to get some thoughts on here, thanks a lot guys.

Z.06

Here is a Youtube clip of my engine noises today. Less tapping noises but still some wierd noise and missing between 1300 and 1500 RPM.


Any opinions about whether my LS7 noises are normal or not?

jwmgr8

Not sure what I'm listening for???
It would be helpful if you traced back as best you can what has changed, when it changed and what you were doing?
Sometimes the alternator bearings, sometimes the idler, sometimes the AC pump.
Turn AC off see if noise is still there.
Turn exhaust mild to wild and back
Hold screw driver on top of valve cover and next to your ear to see if taping is coming from there.

Les

I'm hearing ticking along with a miss/slight stumble too. I'm surprised more folks aren't picking up on that. It does not sound healthy to me. I'd leave it parked except for a trip to the dealer. Good luck.

Zee0hSix

Not good, not good at all. I had to run out to the garage and start up my engine and it makes none of those sounds.

Good luck.

Vegas1500

Good catch, had another listen and its for sure missing.......

'06 Quicksilver Z06

Definitely can hear it starting at around 22 seconds of that video.