I apologize for the non thirdgen question but you guys have always helped me out and I don't know who else to ask. A girl I know has a 89 chevy corsica that has a loud knocking/tapping noise that sounds more from the top end than bottom end. It is a 2.8 v-6. I am pretty sure the #6 plug wire is bad. Could that be it or is the problem more serious? Thanks for any help/suggestions.

 

These engines were good for piston slap. The sides of the pistons would scuff and raise hell. could also be that a rocker arm backed off or a lifter is bad. I tore down a co-workers 3.1 in his Lumina, and it had 3 flat camshaft lobes.

I'd pull off the valve covers and make sure all the rockers are tight. Also try running it w/o the belt, just to make sure it isn't a belt driven accessory.

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Unfortunately, the smaller series Chevrolet V-6 engines are not bulletproof. The 173 (and all the iterations, like the 3.1 and 3.4) is not much compared to the older 229 V-6 that threatened the Buick 231. I've heard these engines are very sensitive to oil level, so you might want to verify a correct maximum level in yours. Since I've never had one, I couldn't say. I'm guessing GM Tech is your best source on this, but he may have heard the "oil thing" and can verify or dismiss it.

On the bright side, if it's toast, you have the option of a replacemet V-8. A Northstar setup would be a real sleeper in a Corsica.

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Later,
Vader
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[This message has been edited by Vader (edited October 28, 2001).]

 

Thanks for the help guys. I will try the suggestions mentioned. I hope its not terminal since I have no where to do any serious work. At least its not mine.