Ticking sound

[40zr1]

When I first start my 95 ZR1 I hear a ticking sound like the valves lash is too loose (I know (?) the lifters are hydraulic and don't have valve lash, I'm just describing the sound.) So I'm guessing a bad valve lifter. And after 30 seconds or a minute or so it goes away. I've put about 500 miles since I noticed the sound.

Now here is the kicker, the last time I changed the oil the Mobile 1 oil filter had f&*%#-up threads and didn't screw completely down and a lot of oil was lost before I saw the oil on floor.:cry: That's when I started hearing the ticking but it could have been before I just didn't notice the sound before.

If it is a lifter any way to find out which one? If not lifter, what? Bad chain tensioner? Any way to isolate the sound?

I am somewhat mechanically challenged, I fine tune with a 20 pounder before I go git "Big Bertha."

Oh, and one other thing, when I wind it up to 7000 rpm in first gear the brake light comes on. Yea, yea I know don't wind it up to 7000 and I won't see the light!
thanks, CJ

[VetteMed]

The brake light issue is probably a low fluid level in the reservoir. C4s tend to have a sensitive low-level sensor, and the acceleration will cause the light to illuminate if the level is slightly below full.

Your other issue may be more serious, but it could also be associated with using an oil filter that isn't necessarily the best at providing instantaneous timing chain oiling on startup... Some filters lack a fully functional anti-drainback valve, meaning there's a few extra seconds of low oil pressure at startup. However, 30 seconds sounds like a long time for this to be the problem. I can't help you with diagnosis any further than that, but someone smarter will be along soon I'm sure.

[rhipsher]

If your oil level is low and I mean real low your lifters are going to let you know it by ticking for about 30 seconds. Ususally just filling up to the proper oil level takes care of that. The cam chain rattle usually only lasts 3 seconds. Once my care hit 70k I no longer heard my camchains rattle. And if it is a bad lifter it was probably most likely on its way out anyway. The bad oil filter seal just helped cause it to push up daiseys quicker.

[Paul Workman]

I've not had years of experience with LT5s, but I've put lifters in many, many SBCs, and I can tell ya it isn't uncommon at all to have a brand new lifter "tick" from time to time. Assuming there is no oil pressure concern, personally I don't get upset if a lifter "ticks" for 30 seconds...on occasion the oil has to get a little warmed up before a lifter (in a SBC) will limber up, I find.

As for oil, Marc Haibeck recommends oil with the proper levels of zinc, etc. additives needed for our flat tappet motors (Amsoil AMO 10-40, if I'm not mistaken). I don't know that the standard Mobil-1 is your problem, prolly NOT, but oil with the proper ZDDP rating is worth mentioning.

Anywayz...I wouldn't be too concerned at the moment. I'd keep an eye on it to see if it gets worse or becomes chronic and maybe run a compression test just to see if everything is OK (could be a leaking valve - not good - or even a exhaust gasket leak?) Again, IMO, if oil pressure is up and it goes away in 30 seconds...I wouldn't be thinking about pulling the motor just yet.;)

Pete (and others here as well) have intimate knowledge of such things as LT5 lifters, and I defer to them.

P.

[Jim Nolan]

Are you sure what you hear is a lifter and not an fuel injector?

[40zr1]

Hey guys, thanks for replies,that takes a load of my mind. Maybe the ticking does last shorter than 30 seconds but it seems like forever! And after that no more sound and it won't make any ticking the rest of the day, only when I first start after sitting for awhile. I've checked oil and it's OK. And reads about 60 psi at cruising. Hoping it's just a lifter losing prime. I don't run it hard much, just enough to blow the cowwebs out but I do love the power and sound. I use Mobil 1 oil, does it not have enough ZDDP? Is Amsol AMO 10-40 sold at the local FLAPS?

Brake fluid was a tad low, so I topped it off. Will see next time I take it out but I'm glad to know it's nothing major. Did scare the hell out of me though, I thought had blown the motor!

I just love the looks of the motor, only wish GM had made the motor larger. I don't need the cheap glitter other C4, C5 and C6 owners put under the hood to try to impress. But I gotta admit, those 427 LS7s scream.

Again thanks for the advice. CJ :cheers:

[ScottZ95ZR1]

Is Amsol AMO 10-40 sold at the local FLAPS?

No, your local auto parts stores won't carry AMSOIL. You either have to buy it from an authorized distributor or online direct from AMSOIL.
Their website has a query function for you to find your nearest dealer: http://www.amsoil.com/locator/dealerlocator.aspx

[40zr1]

Thanks, Scott. Found four dealers close to me. :cheers:

[40zr1]

One more question, which oil filter is recommended?

[ScottZ95ZR1]

One more question, which oil filter is recommended?

Several here use the Bosch 3401 filter per Marc Haibeck's recommendation. http://www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20Web/articles/an_lt5_filter_comparison.htm

[40zr1]

Thanks again, Scott :cheers: