L77 Rattle. Just noise to live with or an issue?

[executer]

I have a vf ssv L77 with small superstock cam from gm motorsports, extractors, high flow cats, 2.5 xforce cat back and Ramjet cai. Mafless tuned.

Car is tuned to 313kw at the treads, 6sp auto.

Car runs fine and has been for ages however the last 2 years there's this sound that pisses me off!

Sounds like stones rattling in a tin can and appears to come from the header area on the driver side.

My initial thought was its pinging but it's been driven so long and no issues.

Had Holden take a look while servicing and took the mechanic for a drive. This noise, it only becomes apparent when under light load prior to it changing gears and giving the accelerator a little more squeeze.

It goes away and isn't apparent when cruising etc.

Now Holden did a diagnosis and found no faults, sensors etc are all well.

Cars done 70,000 kms and plugs haven't been changed yet.

Holden say it's just a noise from the exhaust and the header makes it more apparent.

I read many posts about it these motors making these sounds, has anyone solved this problem or have any idea what it could be?

 

[krusing]

I realise this is a VF thread, but thought this may be of some useful information,

I bought my 2012 VE L77 at 17,000km/s in 2013, was 10 months old, [ex GM Executive Car] it has now done 192,000 km/s,
I had the lifter noise and mentioned a few times when getting it serviced,
but as usual, there is nothing wrong with it.

I eventually gave up going to the Stealer when the Warranty elapsed,
So I always purchased [what I thought was] the correct oil and always a new filter for it for every 10,000 km/s,
and it has always had the lifter noise/sound, especially when cold when leaving home in the mornings.

So I did a bit more research on oils, and found that this Oil also suits to the L77,

Some members will can the idea,
but hear me out.

I put "Nulon Full Synthetic Long Life Diesel Engine Oil 5W-30" in, which has "dexos" in it,
which is indicated on the oil filler cap, that is required for the L77, and probably other VE & VF engines.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p...04#prefn1=srgBrand&prefv1=Nulon&sz=60&start=8

Also, it was on special for around $80 last month for 10 Litres.
But before any one says it was a stupid idea,
Read the label.

• "Ultimate protection for modern passenger cars and light commercial diesel and petrol engines"
• "Suits a wide range of vehicles including Ford, Holden, Hyundai, Jeep, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Toyota"

I got on to their website, and it says it can be used in Petrol Engines.
It lasts longer, and better cleaning agents/properties,
which has to be a good thing, to stop sludge build up and keeping the oil passages cleaner.

The result is that my "cold lifter" noise is basically gone under acceleration,
and also, much quieter when up to temp.

So some times it pays to do a bit more research, and read the between the lines.

 

[executer]

Mine appears to come more from the exhaust and echoing up in the extractor.

I'm thinking the contents in the cat converter may be loose.

Any sure way to check this without removing the cat?

 

[lmoengnr]

Mine appears to come more from the exhaust and echoing up in the extractor.

I'm thinking the contents in the cat converter may be loose.

Any sure way to check this without removing the cat?

Just drop the cat back down, and peer in the cat with a torch.

 

[krusing]

Mine appears to come more from the exhaust and echoing up in the extractor.

I'm thinking the contents in the cat converter may be loose.

Any sure way to check this without removing the cat?

Take it off and shake it,
Maybe it will rattle when you shake it.

 

[lmoengnr]

Take it off and shake it,
Maybe it will rattle when you shake it.

Or tap it with a rubber mallet and listen for rattles.

 

[executer]

Got it sorted. Went for another tune and upgraded otr to ramjet 3. Appears the maf connector was damaged and since fixed.

Noise be gone

 

[executer]

It's funny how a little thing can cause issues that seem big. Was worried my engine was stuffed. Purrs amazing now

 

[losh1971]

Yeah considering LS have cam and lifter issues that make a rattle, you certainly came out on top.

 

[lmoengnr]

Loose heat shields can also set up a rattle.
What was damaged on the MAF connector?