Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine noise..not valves...what?

[slash925]

I know its a pain but check vac-power steering pump the drive coupler sometimes wears and gets loose enough to rattle , use your tube.

 

[Alphacowboy]

I too have noticed this same noise, and mine almost certainly is coming from the injection pump. I have about 70k miles on this pump, and the original made it 100k so I guess I wouldnt be surprised if that is what it is. Have you noticed a drop in your fuel mileage? Mine is off by 2-3 from what it use to be, so I am getting a little worried that I might be looking at another VP...

 

[HerbW]

All my stock torque converter bolts were removed using a six point 3/4" socket. I'm going to write down every socket size used when I pull my transmission soon to look at my flexplate. I use a Cummins barring tool to turn the engine over with a finger feeling for the bolts in the upper hole. I bought it on Ebay. Be carefull when you put bolts back in. There are some extra holes in the flexplate that will throw you off if you start with them. Then the other holes in the converter are nowhere to be found when you turn the engine. I'm painting these holes with some red paint so I don't do it again. Look at the converter and you'll see them. I just pulled it all out two months ago and put a new transmission and converter in. GRRRR! I'm sick and congested with the darn flu and the weather is freezing so my truck will wait few days. I never got sick till my grandkids came along! LOL, Herb

 

[HerbW]

Did you ever get your truck figured out? I have a possible flexplate issue or something going on now myself. I'm considering changing out the whole works for a stick if I can't find the problem. Let me know. Herb

 

[HerbW]

Did you know that fuel filter that needs changed can cause a loud tap tap noise that sounds like valves just as you described? The noise is also located on the driver side also.

Last year I didn't know if I'd make it home on a long vacation drive due to the loudness of it all. I changed the filter and the noise is gone. I got that info off TDR!!

I also know that flexplates can crack and it can't be seen without transmission removal. I'm near there now.

 

[MLee]

I had to drive a 24 valve when they came out. It was said that they were much quieter than the 12 valve. According to my DB noise level--they sounded the same. Every 24 valve I've heard has had a tick in it no matter how it was maintained. The same tick my 12 valve has in it. And no I have not found mine either. But the stethoscope around the lift pump is a bit noisier. Others have changed Pumps on there 12 valve and the noise comes back. So we live with it.