well, I have a 88 Firebird V8-305 with 180.000km.

The problem that I have is when the car idles, I hear a clicking noise coming from the engine, (1 click per sec when idle) which is surprising because I was told that V8 can go forever, and not break down that early. The noise has been there since the previous owner had the car, at 140.000 clicks. I went to an engine shop but never inspected the car because they were telling me it could be anywhere between $500 to $1200 if they have to replace all lifters and possibly 1 valve/cylinder.

Do I go for a rebuilt engine, or just get rid of the car? I've already put over $3000 into it?

Thank You

 

Could be an exhaust leak, noisy lifter, or a loose rocker arm.

First step would be to adjust your valve lash... do a search here on how to do this

If that fails I would wait until the tick gets louder or more frequent and begins to cause timing problems

 

Hey man. 180,000 you'll start to get a slight tick. Nothing i would worry about.

It may even be a leaky exhaust manifold gasket. But you should just pop your valve covers & check the rockers. If you can & have the know-how, back all the rockers off & adjust them accordingly.

Good Luck & as long as that oil press keeps up, that sb chev will run

 

try this: engine OFF open hood and turn key just to on, do not start motor--do you still here the clicking ?

yes= may be the mixture control solenoid

no= start motor and listen

if you here clicking check to see if it is rpm related (speeds up and slows down with the engine)

rpm dependant= maybe valve train related

 

Also could be expanding metal do to heat or fuel injectors in your throttle body. The best thing to do is locate the noise before jumping to drastic measures such as selling your car. For poor people such as myself use a large screwdriver and place the metal blade on the suspect part and the handle part to your ear. NOT IN YOUR EAR AND BECAREFUL IF YOU DONT FEEL YOU CAN DO THIS WITH OUT INJURING YOURSELF OR GODFORBID OTHERS THEN DONT DO THIS. Had to get that out of the way for the idiot who is going to get mad when they stick the blade part in their ear or the belt grabs it and throws it at their drinking buddy and sends him to the hospital. But this is a good (and cheap) way to locate squeaks, rattles, and ticks that are bugging you and give you an idea of what needs repair (maybe not so cheap)

 

the noise is gone once the car speeds up. (say past 10km)

The clicking is a little louder when the car is in drive or reverse, than in park (I think)-just idling