Loud engine noise?

1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
151,834 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
WOODBOB690
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
I have done a lot to this car; I have changed the main seal, CV axles, tie rods, oil sensor, IAC, the MAP sensor, head gasket, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, timing chain, serpentine belt, alternator. So when I start it it will crank one maybe two times and then it starts making this very loud clanking/knock and it doesn't go away even when driving. But it is super loud it would probably wake you up from a deep sleep. I am at a lose any help would be awesome.
Jan 22, 2021 at 4:34 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
Clearly this sounds like an engine knock, but let's start with getting a video of it and that will help us figure out if this is an engine knock or not.

Also, do you know what the oil pressure is when you are doing this? You should have a gauge so we need to see what the pressure is but a video is the most important.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/high-or-low-engine-oil-pressure

If this is knocking then we don't want to run it for long but if you can get the video and rev the engine a couple times. Thanks
Jan 22, 2021 at 8:13 PM
Avatar
WOODBOB690
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Okay, I can do that just have to wait until morning, then first thing I'll post a video. Thanks for the help.
Jan 22, 2021 at 10:07 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
WOODBOB690
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
You can barely see the meter, but it is around 60 PSI. it's supposed to run 56 PSI but it is close.
Jan 23, 2021 at 2:32 PM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
Got it. Great job with the video.

Sorry but that is a piston knock or rod knock. I would drain the oil and see how much metal is in there. What you are hearing is the piston hitting the side of the cylinder wall or the rod bearing is completely worn out and the rod is actually rattling around the crank shaft and when you accelerate it is putting more pressure on it and it gets louder then when you let off of it, the pressure is relieved and it gets a little quieter.

Either way, if you continue to run the engine it will put a hole in the side of the block when the rod/piston finally lets go.

Let us know what you find with the oil but I have heard enough failed engines to know you will need to start sourcing a replacement.
Jan 24, 2021 at 2:45 PM
Avatar
WOODBOB690
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
Okay, thanks a lot for your help greatly appreciated.
Jan 25, 2021 at 12:37 AM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are welcome. Thanks for using 2CarPros. Please come back next time you need some help with something.
Jan 26, 2021 at 12:24 PM