Is This a Blown Head - or Worse (if that's even possible)?

Post by **vjaneczko** » 18 Feb 2012, 21:06

Just finished a 100 mile drive and I hear this knocking:

In reality, it's not such a high-pitched tick. My thought is that the IPD turbo back is affecting the recording-sound quality since it's louder than a regular exhaust system. Exhaust smells a bit sweet which makes me think its the head.

Repairs in the last year include the PCV job, new radiator, oil & tranny cooler hoses, serp belt (was waiting for a warm day to tackle the timing belt). I also noticed the antifreeze looks a bit darker than it should - I was hoping the new radiator had something in it that was causing this problem but I now think differently.

So, anyone know what I'm looking at? I was planning on giving the car to my daughter and I'm still thinking that'll happen, just need to figue out what the next repair/replacement is going to be before I hand it over.

Post by **rspi** » 18 Feb 2012, 21:51

So at idle it sounds fine but when reved it ticks?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 19 Feb 2012, 00:01

Sounds like an exhaust or other air type leak or lifters. Hard to tell from Video. Try below for lifter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Add a can of Restore quantity for 8 Cylinder or get an oil change with this:

http://www.paragon-products.com/Swepco_ ... /sw306.htm

If it quites down than it is lifter noise (sounds like it). My Mechanic broke free a stuck lifter with the 306 in an old Ford Bronco. He tried everything short of taking it apart. It took him sometime to try the stuff but on his own he tried it and it worked. If you suspect a head gasket leak I've staved off 3 repairs by re-torquing the Head Bolts 1/8 or so turn only. Did not break any. 1 stopped using coolant (1995 Grand Voyager with 3.0 Mitsubishi Motor) and 2 reduced oil leak from block to bare minimum (1988 Camry, 1998 Galant). Cars were not worth repairing so had no other choice. Please do this after much careful consideration and at own risk as you may break a Head Bolt!!!

Blessings,

BKM

Post by **vjaneczko** » 19 Feb 2012, 00:13

There's a hint of the noise at idle - I think. With the exhaust being so loud, sometimes it's hard to tell if something is making a noise

greyfoxisa · Post by **greyfoxisa** » 19 Feb 2012, 00:33

If you suspect that you have a blown head gasket you can rent this too from autozone

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/access ... tid=554457

Post by **vjaneczko** » 20 Feb 2012, 16:20

So if it is a blown head, can I cause additional damage (it just stops dead, shards flying at traffic, what have you...) if I drive a few miles to AutoZone for the compression tool?

I have a bottle of SeaFoam; think I should give it a whirl to address the lifter suggestion?

Post by **jblackburn** » 20 Feb 2012, 18:44

It sounds like a lifter to me.

Hmmm...compression test would be good. It should be fine to drive there.

Post by **rspi** » 20 Feb 2012, 21:02

http://www.atthetipwebs.com/technologyi ... n_test.htm

Post by **MoVolvos** » 20 Feb 2012, 23:35

This will help with Lifters - Independent Volvo Uses this Stuff - Owner's name is Antonio.
Just change the oil today on a 2001 Odyssey with 306 15-40W and a WIX Filter. The engine is almost silent at Idle and freeway speeds.

Independent Volvo
http://www.yelp.com/biz/independent-vol ... lnut-creek

Lifters Help
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/sho ... co_pg6.htm

306
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/sho ... co_pg8.htm

Blessings,

BKM

Post by **vjaneczko** » 22 Feb 2012, 21:49

Headed to AutoZone and picked up the tool that greyfoxisa suggested and also for 40 bucks picked up a compression test kit, very similar to the one in rspi’s post. Didn't have time to use them both, but here's the numbers from the compression test (warm engine):

165 - 160 - 162 - 152 - 162

I tested each cylinder 3 times so these numbers are average, but they seem pretty good to me. With that info, I'm guessing that greyfoxisa's suggested tool would not show a problem?

So it’s looking more like the head is OK, which is a relief. Does anyone have other suggestions besides BKM’s SWEPCO Oil Improver?
BKM, you also mentioned exhaust leak. How does that kind of leak cause the engine to clack?

I also read a post somewhere that suggested there might be a problem with the gaskets in the oil pan. Anyone ever experience this?