Louder noise than usual? VVEL, valves, injectors, etc.?

DIGItonium · 02-10-2012, 10:48 PM

Lately I've been noticing valve or VVEL noise that's louder than usual. I can hear it inside the car while the engine is idling (warm). I'm not sure if it's VVEL, valves, or just the larger injectors. The noise is very mechanical, and it's louder on the passenger side.

Other than that, the car seems fine. Every once in awhile startup is a bit rough, but doesn't make any valve slapping noise.

bigsix · 02-12-2012, 02:50 AM

sounds like valve movement &/or fuel injection. Doesn't sound like pistons moving without oil

Zat_Zuma · 02-12-2012, 11:55 AM

What is your oil pressure at idle?

Do you have a oil cooler with thermostat?

Does the sound go away at a higher RPM?

It may be a simple as raising your idle speed.

370Zsteve · 02-12-2012, 11:57 AM

Did you switch your oil brand/type? I noticed a difference when I switched from Nissan Ester to Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic.

DIGItonium · 02-12-2012, 08:15 PM

It's a bit cold, so I haven't done much driving. IIRC, oil pressure gauge indicates 50-60 PSI idle. It's about 90 on a cold start. I don't think I have a thermostat for the oil cooler, so it's slow to warm up the oil. The noise recorded from the video was after driving home from work, so the engine is warm. The loudness of the noise appears to be the same with a cold or warm engine.

The oil I'm using is Mobile 1 synthetic, and that's what I'm using now after getting the turbos installed last year.

Edit, possibly injector ticking. I just started noticing it recently, and the ticking sometimes numbs my brain. It's a weird feeling haha.

DLSTR · 02-13-2012, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

Did you switch your oil brand/type? I noticed a difference when I switched from Nissan Ester to Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic.

What did you notice after you changed oil brands. Im considering using the Pennzoil Ultra for my next oil change.

02-10-2012, 10:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	Louder noise than usual? VVEL, valves, injectors, etc.? Lately I've been noticing valve or VVEL noise that's louder than usual. I can hear it inside the car while the engine is idling (warm). I'm not sure if it's VVEL, valves, or just the larger injectors. The noise is very mechanical, and it's louder on the passenger side. Other than that, the car seems fine. Every once in awhile startup is a bit rough, but doesn't make any valve slapping noise. __________________

02-12-2012, 11:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Zat_Zuma A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta ...eh Posts: 1,171 Drives: 2017 Touring auto Rep Power: 19	What is your oil pressure at idle? Do you have a oil cooler with thermostat? Does the sound go away at a higher RPM? It may be a simple as raising your idle speed. __________________ [B]2009 & 2017 370Z Touring Sport Autos SOLD

02-12-2012, 11:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
370Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gold Coast CT Posts: 10,599 Drives: 2019 Corvette G.S. Rep Power: 43	Did you switch your oil brand/type? I noticed a difference when I switched from Nissan Ester to Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic. __________________ SOLD MY Z MARCH 2018 - another Core OG moves on - new ride 2019 Z Corvette Grand Sport - no mods necessary but already have eyes on HFC and intakes LOL IT NEVER ENDS.

02-12-2012, 08:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	It's a bit cold, so I haven't done much driving. IIRC, oil pressure gauge indicates 50-60 PSI idle. It's about 90 on a cold start. I don't think I have a thermostat for the oil cooler, so it's slow to warm up the oil. The noise recorded from the video was after driving home from work, so the engine is warm. The loudness of the noise appears to be the same with a cold or warm engine. The oil I'm using is Mobile 1 synthetic, and that's what I'm using now after getting the turbos installed last year. Edit, possibly injector ticking. I just started noticing it recently, and the ticking sometimes numbs my brain. It's a weird feeling haha. __________________ Last edited by DIGItonium; 02-12-2012 at 08:22 PM.

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02-12-2012, 02:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
bigsix A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Thailand Posts: 2,227 Drives: Honda City/Mazda 2 Rep Power: 19	sounds like valve movement &/or fuel injection. Doesn't sound like pistons moving without oil