My 1983 Trans Am sounds like a diesel when I am going up a hill, the valves are clattering, I hate it, the timing is set factory, I had a major tune up about a year ago, and new plugs 3 months ago, the car has about 148,000 miles it runs good otherwise, I use the cheap gas to, anyone have any ideas?

thanks Morgan

 

No idea really but here's a stab in the dark ...

... My truck made a similar noise and it was the hydrolic tensioner on the timing chain. My only guess is that it has something to do with timing chain/gears/belt???

My $.02

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92 Z28 - 5.7 - Black/Grey Leather
Macewen White Faced Guages
SLP T-RAM, 24lb/h Injectors
Accell 52mm Throttle Body
SLP 1 3/4" Headers and Cat Back Sys.

 

Morgan.
Try running some 92 octane through it and see how it does.

I think what you are hearing is whats called detonation. a higher octane gas may cure it.

my 89 Formula 350 does it sometimes when it gets really warm and I run 89 octane in it. When I used to run 92 in it, it never did it.

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-86 IROC
Vortech stuffed EFI 406 in progress

 

I would agree with Guido about trying higher octane gas...... Also you might have some serious carbon built up and it could be causing preignition. One way to clean out the carbon is to suck water into the combustion process. What I have done in the past is to pull a vacuum line off, and get a gallon of water, stick the vacuum line into the gallon. let is suck the water in, keeping the rpms around 2000 rpm...

Now it is very important to not introduce too much water into the intake at one time. Like pouring it down the Throttle body.. Big mistake, cause it could bend the valves. But if you let the vacuum pull in the water through a vacuum hose coming off the intake, you will be safe. This will "steam clean" the cyls, and take off that carbon. GM dealers also sell an engine cleaner that works the same way also. Go buy a can and follow the directions

 

GM's top engine cleaner is good for getting rid of deposits. A can of it will probably help you out. Be forwarned that you will kill every flying pest for miles around. Part number 105002.

 

around what rpms does it make this noise? floating valves possibly if at fairly high rpm.. spray cleaner helps just as well for cleaning out carbon buildup.. as far as letting it burn off water i wouldnt reccomend that, at least use ATF in a spray bottle, not only does ATF clean like a ****, it will help lubricate.. but still wont beat a good can of throttle body/carb cleaner.. run some quality fuel (at least 91 octane) for a week or so, see if that helps..

 

Hey guys, thanks for the replys,

I would say the noise is around 1500-2000 RPMs, and while it does not get worse, it stays the same, it just sounds like loose valves, but it cant be cause if it were it would run poorly, and it doesnt, like I said it has 148,000 miles, has been a great car, but I fear the end is near.