Cwi3be04

Hello, recently picked up a 93 ls400 with 150000 miles. I’m having an issue with a ticking noise that becomes more pronounced when warm. The issue seems unaffected by thicker oils. The noise is best heard underneath the car toward the rear of the motor. I’d think it would be a big end bearing but it doesn’t sound like bearing failure and does not get louder with rpm or rattle when letting off the gas. Aside from this you cannot feel the tick when placing your hand on the oil pan.The engine has good compression and runs very smooth with no misfires. I feel as if power is still there. I almost figured it was an exhaust leak or broken egr pipe but over the course of 300 miles and about 4 oil changes the noise has gotten significantly worse. Each time after draining the oil I’m met with a very fine metallic dust in the oil that can be seen with a flashlight. Pls shed some light as the what this noise could be because Im out of ideas. Again the motor has good, even compression and no misfires or vibrations, just a loud tick from the bottom end, and a lot of metal in the oil. If anyone has had experience with this please shoot me an email -coltonwiebe12@gmail.com

paulo57509

It might be helpful to get an oil sample analysis. It will show any abnormal wear metals and the type of metal.

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

Typically, lower end noise is more a heavy knock than a tick.

Cwi3be04

I’ve been considering an analysis for sure, I may just have to do that. And the fact that is is not a knock is what has me so confused. It is a definite tick coming from the bottom of the engine, perhaps best heard from the side of the block on the drivers side.

400fanboy

It only costs 30 bucks or something like that and while it takes a few weeks, they give you a full analysis of the oil including detergents and metal content. It will give you a definitive yes or no answer if there are abnormal metallic quantities in your oil, and thus, your engine.

They even write up a one or two sentence summary in novice friendly language for you explaining the results and any action items, if needed. They have a pretty big database of 1UZ's so they can be confident on the results.

I just started doing it myself now that I'm changing my own oil actually. I got my results earlier this summer and it was nice to see my engines internal health confirmed.

As for your metal glitter - you should cut open your oil filter. Get some gloves, and open the paper up, paying especially close attention to the inside folds of the filter. That's where the metal particles will tend to collect.

Cwi3be04

Perhaps I’ll send out a sample then. And I have no doubt it’s shedding way too much metal. I had about 1 hour on the oil I just drained and it was filled with metal dust. Just such a weird situation.

400fanboy

The fact that the noise is getting worse isn't a good sign. Was the car potentially neglected by previous owners and didn't have it's oil changed for very long intervals?

Oh one more thing - the analysis will also tell you WHAT the metal is. It will say if it's bearing material or some other metal content from within the engine.

Also do you think you can record some audio of the noise. Put your phone on the top of the car to establish a baseline, and then move it underneath to where you hear the abnormality coming from.

Cwi3be04

I tried to attach a recording of the noise at the original post, not sure if it went through. From the top end of the motor all you can hear is some typical valvetrain noise. I could’ve sworn it was an exhaust leak when I first heard it as it is prominent from below the car by the cats and also just as audible at the drivers side of the block. Again not a knock, and no vibrations. And there is definitely the potential of the car being neglected. I’m having trouble uploading to this site but I’ll attach a Google photos link to the video
https://photos.app.goo.gl/K2HSWiP2rUC1rZ859

LeX2K

Video is not nearly long enough, plus need to rev the engine up and down. But metal in oil means engine death there is no way around it.

paulo57509

I wouldn't dismiss it being a broken or loose flex plate. They make different kinds of noise; do an internet search (video) and you'll hear examples.

Cwi3be04

I’ve also considered that possibility but a broken flex plate would not shed metal into the oil like Im getting. I just find this all so odd for such low mileage. Can’t imagine it’s a big end bearing but I also can’t imagine it would be valvetrain related as it’s coming from the bottom. I think I’ll get the oil analyzed.

400fanboy

If a previous owner didn't change the oil for 30,000 miles in 2007, anything's possible.

Yamae

Those metal particles look like the result of the initial stage of rod knock to me. If so, the more you drive, the louder you'll hear the ticking sound and then it becomes hitting sound like this .

paulo57509

At this point in time, it's all a guessing game.

Lower end tapping and metallic "glitter" in the oil may or may not be related to the same issue.