Engine Noise

[stainless1911]

I let the car sit for a month or so, and when I started it today, it started ticking. Sounds like the upper end, right above the alternator somewhere. It smokes when idling, and makes a cloud when you rev it up. The smoke is pretty much white.

Any ideas?

Timing couldnt be worse. I have a guy that wants to trade me his Fiero for it. I start it to make sure things are right when he gets here, and this happens.

[kellen302]

Sounds like there's some water in there maybe. The ticking is common on these valve trains when they've been sitting and the oil drains to the pan. I won't say anything about the Fiero, I already got chastised in another thread about my less than stellar comments about the fireball- er I mean fiero...

[Damkid]

The general discussion area is not the section for repair help

[stainless1911]

Sorry.

[georgeb]

Timing couldn't be better! You don't want a Fiero. Ticking could be HLA if EFI model. White smoke usually blown head gasket. Look for bubbles in coolant when running.

[stainless1911]

Sounds like there's some water in there maybe. The ticking is common on these valve trains when they've been sitting and the oil drains to the pan. I won't say anything about the Fiero, I already got chastised in another thread about my less than stellar comments about the fireball- er I mean fiero...

Would driving it clear it up?

[stainless1911]

Timing couldn't be better! You don't want a Fiero. Ticking could be HLA if EFI model. White smoke usually blown head gasket. Look for bubbles in coolant when running.

crap. bubbles.

Thanks. You learn something every day.

[GenevaDirt]

Timing couldn't be better! You don't want a Fiero. Ticking could be HLA if EFI model. White smoke usually blown head gasket. Look for bubbles in coolant when running.

Agree on the ticking but the smoking is probably oil getting past the stem seals from sitting for a while. Needs to be run and should clear it up some if not totally. Also may need seal replacements if it continues.

[GenevaDirt]

well...if you looked and have bubbles as george says....then head gasket.....was more optimistic then he was ....lol

[stainless1911]

The only words that come to mind right now are probably auto-censored anyhow.:nono:

At least I have a spare motor. Just need a gasket and an afternoon or two.

[GenevaDirt]

so you do have bubbles?

[stainless1911]

yes...

[GenevaDirt]

bummer....any mixing of oil or water you can see? Head gasket replacement is not too big of a job if that is all it needs.

[stainless1911]

bummer....any mixing of oil or water you can see? Head gasket replacement is not too big of a job if that is all it needs.

Seems like there is only a very slight indication of oil. Havent checked the pan yet.