This sound normal, rebuilt 22re

[ozzyleven]

I know 22re's are noisy to begin with, but my new engine doesn't sound quite right to me. Granted I have never heard a fresh 22re, something sounds a little clacky/knocky. I took the belt off the PS to check for sure if it was that, but the sound didn't change. Oil pressure is good, no smoke, power seems fine. Valve cover bolts are about as loose as I can get without leaking. I changed the oil tonight as a precaution and the oil condition looked fine, but there was a pretty good metallic sheen in there. Considering sending a sample I pulled from it to Blackstone Labs to have it checked out. As far as I know, some metallic sheen is perfectly normal in a new rebuild, but correct me if I'm wrong. Heres a video. The video seems to tame the sound down a little, it really does sound louder in person. Engine bay resonating the sound? Maybe you guys can help track it down a little.

Wanted to add, my break-in/start up was as recommended by the owner of Sunwest. Prime the oil pump by cranking the starter with ignition undone. Let idle 1000 rpm or a little more until warm. Jumper it and set timing. Drive it a little harder than normal at varying rpms, not too long at one speed. I had it anywhere between 1000-3500 or so. Did the varying rpm thing, harder driving for 30-40 minutes.
IMG 0337 - YouTube

 

[USE911]

Maybe take the valve cover off and check rockers? Sounds like something worse though. Did you remember to install the thrust bearings? I have heard a similar noise when a friend forgot them in his 22re.

 

[ozzyleven]

I did not have to install anything actually in the engine when I bought it. It was all ready to go when I picked it up, or supposed to be. Built by Sunwest Engine, not me personally. I only quickly took a look at the bottom end before I put the pan on. Everything looked accounted for. Is it normal for there to be extra noise during a break in?

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm not an engine expert, but I don't think that sounds normal at all. My old 22RE used to sound like that for a couple seconds on startup, and I always associated it with the timing chain tensioner, but now that it's blown up I wonder if it was a sign of something more serious that I should have paid attention to.

I'd take that back to Sunwest, in fact I'd probably tow it back rather than drive it.

 

[nevada]

minie sounds pretty much exactly like that.
has for the last 10 years or so. its never gotten worse, and i dont know what it is. this engine was in it when i got it. it has atleast 150k on it.

i thought it was a rod bearing, i changed them a couple years ago, but the sound didnt change.

 

[SV_Dude]

Have you adjusted your valve lash after warming up the engine? That sounds like top end valve noise. Mine does the same thing but I also have a 268 cam with a different valve lash setting.

 

[ozzyleven]

I have not adjusted the valves. They came adjusted and the instructions were to readjust at 500 miles. I'm sending the guys over there this video and going to see what they think. To me, it sounds off, but man listening to videos of rebuilds on YouTube I'm not totally sure anymore.

 

[ozzyleven]

Okay guys at Sunwest are saying they leave the valves loose on purpose. He thought that was really all he was hearing in the video. Basically told me
It's normal and have valves readjusted at 500 when the head bolts get torqued. So hopefully good to go. I'm going the have the mechanic down the street take a listen.

 

[goatfarmer]

IMO, taking to independent mechanic is a good idea, perhaps a couple,certainly want to get resolved before warranty expires.

 

[KidVermicious]

Okay guys at Sunwest are saying they leave the valves loose on purpose. He thought that was really all he was hearing in the video. Basically told me
It's normal and have valves readjusted at 500 when the head bolts get torqued. So hopefully good to go. I'm going the have the mechanic down the street take a listen.

Probably a good idea. I hope it's nothing.

I suggest getting in writing from Sunwest that you expressed concern over the noise, though, just to make sure your butt is covered in case you have to claim against the warranty. Even just sending an email that they reply to should be enough.

 

[ozzyleven]

Well swung it by the yota shop here in town had a couple guys listen. These guys are like the classic masters and have always been straight with me. Mechanic No. 1 said valve clatter. Mechanic No. 2 said could be an issue with the way the wrist pin bushings were set. I forget the exact term he used. I was told to re-evaluate at 500 miles when things get adjusted. I will pass that along to the builder and I guess a third opinion is probably in order now. Also would pulling the wires one by one help me determine if its coming from the wrist pin or valves?

 

[goatfarmer]

Suggest checking with the builder regarding recommended engine break-in requirements. Difficult to determine over the internet, if the engine is covered by an extended warranty, 6 mos or more; rather than drive around getting additional opinons, for my own peace of mind I would probly pull all the spark plugs, # them according to cylinder, and test the compression on each cylinder, only 4 plugs. Majority of the created engine I am familiar with carry anywhere from 90 days to 6 months min., should be plenty of time to be in the ball park of the recommended valve readjustment. If only a 30 day warranty, I would not wait until warranty expires, I would take it back and have the builder make the adjustments at that time.

 

[ozzyleven]

The builder said get some miles on it. It has a 30 month/30,000 mile warranty, so plenty of time there. The engine was run at 450 rpm on a simtest thing before they loaded it in my truck. I believe the print out said 190 on all cylinders (I'd have to dig it out of the safe, might have been 180) and 35 psi for oil. Break-in was literally as I described earlier. Start it, warm it, set the timing and drive it pretty hard for at least a 20 min, varying rpm frequently. Also no long highway travel for quite sometime. No specified mileage, but pretty standard stuff.

So, anyways, I live a block from another mechanic. He walked over and took a listen with his fancy electronic stethoscope and set it right on one of the valve studs and said 99.9% its valve noise. Personally, he said he would adjust the valves now, but the builder warned against it and told me today to please get at least another couple hundred on it before screwing with them. I guess I'll have to trust these guys and roll with their recommendations. Talking to a few mechanics today at least set my mind at ease quite a bit.