GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

General Information

Symptom

Cause

    • A light tapping noise at ½ engine speed, or any varying frequency, may indicate a valve train problem.
    • Tapping noises will typically increase with increased engine speed.
    • Before attempting to diagnose a valve train noise, check for the proper oil level and allow the engine to obtain normal operating temperature.
        Following this procedure will bring all engine components to a normal state of expansion.
    • Sit in the driver's seat, then operate the engine at various speeds and listen for any abnormal engine noise.

A light tapping noise similar to valve train noise may be caused by the following components:

    • Fuel Injectors
    • Evaporative emissions (EVAP) purge solenoid
    • Detonation
    • Loose heat shields

Valve Train Noise

    • Low engine oil pressure
    • A worn or faulty oil pump
    • A loose or plugged oil pump screen
    • Loose valve rocker arm attachments (causing excessive valve lash)
    • A worn or damaged valve rocker arm ball
    • A worn valve rocker arm and/or pushrod
    • A broken valve spring
    • Worn or damaged valve rotators
    • Sticking valves
    • Valve lifters worn, dirty, or faulty
    • A broken valve lifter guide
    • Camshaft valve lifter lobes worn
    • Worn valve guides or valve stems
    • Worn or damaged valve keys
    • Bent valve pushrods
    • Excessive play in the camshaft timing chain
    • Bent, broken, or damaged timing chain sprocket teeth

Diagnostic Table

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: A light tapping noise at ½ engine speed, or any varying frequency.

1

Is there valve train noise?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

Check for a high engine oil level. An engine with the engine oil level above the FULL mark allows the crankshaft counterweights to churn the engine oil into foam. When foamy oil is pumped into the valve lifters, the valve lifters become noisy. A solid column of engine oil ensures proper valve lifter operation.

Is the engine oil level too high?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Drain the engine oil to the proper level.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 6

4

Check for a low engine oil level. An engine with the engine oil level below the ADD mark may allow the oil pump to pump air at high engine RPM.

Is the engine oil level too low?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Add engine oil as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 6

6

Check for the proper engine oil pressure. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications and Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing .

Is the engine oil pressure within specifications?

68.65 kPa (10 psi)

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Check the oil pump screen for damage or a loose fit to the oil pump.

Is the oil pump screen loose or is the oil pump screen damaged?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Repair as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 9

9

Check for a damaged oil pump or loose mounting bolts.

Refer to Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection .

Is the oil pump damaged or are the mounting bolts loose?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Repair as required. Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 11

11

Remove and inspect the valve lifters, valve rocker arms, and valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Cleaning and Inspection and Valve Lifters and Guides Cleaning and Inspection .

Are the components worn or damaged?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the components as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 13

13

Perform a camshaft lobe lift test. Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection .

Is the test within Engine Mechanical Specifications ?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the camshaft and valve lifters.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 15

15

Remove the engine front cover and inspect the camshaft timing chain and sprockets for excessive wear or damage.

Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection .

Are the components worn or damaged?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

16

Replace the components as required.

Is the tapping noise gone?

--

System OK

Go to Step 17

17

Perform a complete disassembly of the engine and inspect all components.

Are the components worn or damaged?

--

Go to Step 18

System OK

18

Replace the components as required.

Did you complete the worn or damaged component replacement?

--

System OK

--