noise coming from engine area

[wmcnees]

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction of this noise I am hearing. First off I have a 2005 Malibu vlx just rolled over 100 hrs. I was on the lake and notice a noise coming from the engine area. So I checked the oil and it was almost a quart low didnt have any with me so I had my friend drive to the marina and pick a quart up. Drove the rest of the day with it and it still made the noise. Not like a tick like the injectors make but a little louder and it seems to make it in reverse or forward but is more noticable at idle. I dont think it is the dampner because it sounds like it is coming from the top port side of the engine.

The oil pressure stayed at 30-40 idling and 50-60 while driving.

When I came home I went ahead and changed the oil and filters (oil,fuel) with fresh oil. Still making the noise.

Not a spun rod or main bearing noise.

So I took it out yesterday to the lake and ran it still the same oil pressure readings now just a little higher reading 60-70.

The only thing I notice I didnt before was when I went across someones wake it sounded like a pop can was in my engine bay. very weird.

Any suggestions on where to check for this noise I cant seem to track down.

Thanks

Edited August 26, 2012 by wmcnees

[wmcnees]

I believe I found the culprit. I was wrong it is the dampener plate. I found these in the bilge area.

[rynbtlr]

Double check that your spark plug wires on are correct cylinders. While changing spark plugs, we got two wire switched, and it caused a knocking sound in the engine that sounded like a piece of metal floating around in there. I would have never thought that sound would result.

[Indyxc]

Wow is there a hole somewhere on the side of the trans? Either way you got lucky in a sense that only small pieces are in the bilge and not have the plate.

[wmcnees]

I removed the vdrive and transmisson last nite and I thought my bell housing was good. So after I removed it I could better inspect it. Well as my luck goes I found a crack about 1 inch long on the top side where the bell housing covers the starter.

My question is before I shell out 400.00 for a new bell housing. Will it hurt anything using this one since its only a 1 inch crack or do you think it will just get bigger as time goes on?

[Steve04]

Wow. I just made a post because this happened to me last weekend in my 05' LSV; only my parts blew 2 holes-one is larger than a silver dollar-right near the starter in the bell housing. I would definitely replace the housing unless you have the existing one welded up.

[get_u_sum]

I had a cracked bell housing on a mid90s Chevy truck. I used some jb weld and never had another problem for the 80k miles I kept until selling it.

Edited October 6, 2012 by get_u_sum

[Lance B. Johnson]

I would replace the housing. Think it's no fun to pull the engine now? Just wait until the second time you have to pull it. That's my philosophy anyway.