SR20 black top rattle

[HFAS_monkey]

Yes, I have researched. But no one seems to have the EXACT issue. So I would like some of Zilvia's input.

Whether the engine is cold or warmed up to normal operating temp. , there is a rattle between 2,000 - 2,200 RPM.
At idle and when driving.
Noise is coming from passenger side.

My first guess were lifters.
Bled ALL lifters and then gave it a fresh oil change. At start up the rattle went away for about 30 seconds and returned permanently.
Not lifters.

So now I'm on to the VTC solenoid?
Haven't messed with it yet, because everyone that has issues with it say the rattle only comes at cold start up.

What else could this be?

Here are the mods in the head.

Brian Crower Valve Spring Retainer set
Valve seals and valve job.
HKS Step 2 Cams:
Intake 256 / Exhaust 264 duration
Enjuku Racing Stainless Steel Rocker Arm Stoppers and new shims

Yes, it's my first SR. No excuse, but I just wanted everyone's knowledge and help. Thanks in advance for those that can help.

[Silviasurfer]

Mechanics Diagnostic 32cm Probe Stethoscope (http://www.priceninja.com/mechanics-diagnostic-32cm-probe-stethoscope-3424830-p.asp)
invest in one of these ......thats a start

[HFAS_monkey]

Have one already, thanks though.

[Silviasurfer]

have you used it to isolate where the noise is more likely coming from?

[HFAS_monkey]

That I have not. You've got me confused on why I haven't actually. By ear sometimes it sounds like its coming from the intake.. Maybe just me concentrating too much. Tomorrow ill be in the shop and ill use the stethoscope.

[Silviasurfer]

Your minds eye will easily fool u....... i have hunted sounds far and wide till i got a scope and helps alot when instances like this occur, iam not saying it will be easy to spot just it helps take the guess out of the work, now...... iam going to list a few stuff u should check for and maybe some may add some more..... Chain tension, cam gear tighten properly, loose valve seal, broker rocker, improper rocker stopper fitting, loose cam caps, vct rattle, shims that may have fallen out of retainer, making sure that you are getting proper oil flow to the head......are some that can come off the top of my head....so start with this as a check list and work up from there the scope can help with some if these checks but some you may need to open the valve cover, i would recc if your new to sr20 let someone wid some experience assist you as well.....hope this helps happy new year

[HFAS_monkey]

Awesome, thanks for the check list to help look over things. I'll dig into this tomorrow a little more and give some feedback. Thanks a bunch, and happy new year to you too!

[fliprayzin240sx]

I vote VTC solenoid since you say its coming from the intake side.

[Kingtal0n]

ONLY between 2k-2200? So idle 800rpm no noise. highway cruise 70MPH no noise (3k rpm)

driving around in the city... 1800rpm, 2500rpm, no noise.

but at, specifically,
2k-2.2k = Noise

Does it sound like nails in a tin can?
Or does it sound more like tapping? clicking? pinging?

Any video? My first impression is that something is resonating, because it is loose. But a loud ticking/clacking sound is probably not a loose resonating object, more likely something in the valvetrain is causing that, a binding valve spring (sensitive to frequencies that engine may produce) or cracked valvespring. You said they are "new" and that does not always mean "good".
find out quick because a fail valvespring could mean new pistons / head

[Silviasurfer]

Seems iam getting the same problem with an lexus Altezza....3s 4g, the brain fried in the car and the new ecu refused to command the injectors, the engine fired and ran with a spray of starter fluid, so i was getting fire but seem that the injectors were the problem, swapped them out as well as the harness for the injectors from and old motor and a new ecu and what do u know ......she cranked, i did an injector service on the injectors and benched them with the harness to make sure it was up before i put them in.....so was strange to fine the same problem with a different motor, BTW what is the stat on the engine?

[fufanu180]

My iacv was making a clicking noise in my old motor. i swapped it out with another ine snd it went away. Maybe it's your iacv?


CenTex240

[fufanu180]

One* and*


CenTex240

[fufanu180]

If its a black top it doesn't have vtc. A notch top would but not an s13 blacktop.


CenTex240

[HFAS_monkey]

Thanks everyone for your help and responses. Sorry I have been away for a while. Barely had time to mess with it.

I had an extra VTC solenoid lying around in my shop, swapped it out...And nothing.

I then unplugged it.. And the noise is gone! I've noticed no difference in the the torque pick up ( I've read it may lack low range torque if unplugged), and overall it just sounds like a normal quiet SR again..

So now I'm a bit lost on what to do from this point on, just leave it unplugged? Is this safe?