Ok i have been having problems with my 86 and I have decided to get something else. I recently test drove a 93 Camaro Z28 and it had a noticeable lifter knock, my question is depending on how long the car has been doing it will it damage the engine? I suspect it could just be that they are running low octane fuel and it requires premium.

 

Never heard of any such?

Lifters don't "knock". They especially aren't affected by fuel octane. They're a little chunk of metal about 7/8" in diameter with a roller wheel on the bottom where they are against the cam, and an oil chamber & valve in the middle that the push rod sits on.

If you're talking about "pinging" or "spark knock", then that is not connected in any manner way shape or form with lifters, except that the engine has to be running to make the sound and it won't run without lifters.

Yes regular gas in one of those cars will make it "ping". The other usual cause, excessively advanced ignition timing, is not possible in them because the spark is timed against the actual crank rotation, not by a moveable distributor.

 

My mistake, well there is a ticking noise, and it doesnt sound like an exhaust leak. Does this "ping" sound like ticking?

 

Sounds like shaking up a coffee can full of marbles.

Usually would happen when giving the car gas, particularly at relatively low speeds in high gear.

 

How loud is the ticking?
exhaust leaks sound surprisingly like ticking. Injectors also tick, but it's pretty quiet. If you're used to carbs it can be a bit weird.

 

Ok, got seperation anxiety no longer getting rid of my third gen...couldnt go through with it. So nevermind the noise. Thanks though