Odd Knocking sound

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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dz09x
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Year and Trim: 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SLE
Location: New York, NY

Odd Knocking sound

Post by dz09x »

93 SSEi

Weird knocking sound coming from the engine at idle, 800 rpms.
The knocking continues and gets louder up until 1400 rpms, It completely disappears afterwards.
Place the car in drive, there is no knock at idle, or at higher rpm. there is slight tremble and shake though.
Put the car in park, no noise at idle. But if i tap the gas then the noise returns at idle.
No Service Engine lights what so ever.

Completely stumped. I am taking a guess that it isn't a bottom end issue. More sounds like a top end issue. Maybe? Could it be maybe too thin of an oil in the engine? Is it possible that maybe one on set of valves is not getting oil, but is getting oil at higher rpms. Possible blockage somewhere?

Also, don't know if it matters. This car is having transmission issue, where a few solenoids have to be replaced.
nickdalzell1
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Posts: 266
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:20 pm
Year and Trim: '92 Bonneville SSE

Re: Odd Knocking sound

Post by nickdalzell1 »

mine has been making the same hammering sound it's made since i bought it at the junkyard a couple years ago. i think the 3800s just make noises. if your oil pressure is good and it doesn't sound like a bearing i'd just ignore it. i did manage to quieten mine down a tad by tightening the lifters while i was replacing the valve cover gaskets though.
1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSE (3800 Series I, 277K miles and counting! with a horrific knock sadly)
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RJolly87
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Year and Trim: 1993 Buick Park Avenue
1994 Buick Regal Custom
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Re: Odd Knocking sound

Post by RJolly87 »

Can you get a video of the issue and post it?
~Randall~
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1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place
nickdalzell1
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Posts: 266
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:20 pm
Year and Trim: '92 Bonneville SSE

Re: Odd Knocking sound

Post by nickdalzell1 »

could also be the harmonic balancer. i had a Buick that did that once. when it goes it sounds like an engine knock or rod knock and is scary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCeMx18P2aM
1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSE (3800 Series I, 277K miles and counting! with a horrific knock sadly)
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