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Thread: Squeaking on top end after cam change

  1. #1
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    Exclamation Squeaking on top end after cam change

    I have a 99 5.3 just put a .560 lift cam, springs, lifters and timing chain. Cranks, idles but between 1500 to 2500 RPM there is a squeak coming from the passenger side top end. need help on what someone may have experienced before. I think it may be a rocker arm but not sure. has anyone else ever had this problem???

  2. #2
    Senior Tuner mbray01's Avatar
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    Typically a squeak, or a chirp heard from the top end, is usually from a roller that stopped rolling.
    Michael Bray
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    Man I sure hope not. They are brand new and the sound seems like it is coming from the top of the head. Thanks for your knowledge.

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    Also it is an intermittent chirp at low rpm then it will quit. rev to 1500-2500 and let off and it chirps till you get back down to 1500 rpm. under load it doesn't seem to do it. thanks again!
    Last edited by corn_bread; 04-20-2019 at 08:52 PM.

  5. #5
    Did you try pulling your serpentine belt to see if it's a belt or pulley

  6. #6
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    Pull valve cover, run engine observe. If lucky noise is a rocker arm. Did you upgrade rocker bearings? Also back off valve adjustment completely and rock the rockers by hand see if any of them bind. While running with cover off maybe spray valve train with your favorite lube to see if noise subsides. Another check is oil present at top of push rod contact point with rocker, crank over for 10-20 seconds without plugs in, you should see oil . All above mentioned is better than it being lifters. Good Luck!

  7. #7
    Senior Tuner mbray01's Avatar
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    I have come across this many many many times from cams that come from one particular cam grinder, always brand new cams, start squeaking within a couple minutes of first start up. I doubt its the lifter thats the problem, as I only see it with one cam grinder, never issues with other cams and same lifters.
    Michael Bray
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    I have cranked without belt and it does the same thing and I call myself checking all the rockers. @mbray01 can you private message me the name or I will just tell you the name of my cam It is and Elgin 1839P.
    Last edited by corn_bread; 04-21-2019 at 03:15 PM.

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    @mbray01 does the squeaking on the one name brand cam cause damage or just annoyance?

  10. #10
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    Like Michael said, the chirping noise is a roller that isn't rolling. It's not going to last very long like that.

  11. #11
    Roller rockers or stock? Did you change valve stem seals?

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    Stock and yes changed the valve stem seals

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    I appreciate all the knowledge fellas!!

  14. #14
    All new parts? Its hard to believe a brand new roller lifter and cam would have any issues but it happens. I had brand new set of Ford Racing lifters that had 1 unit without the check ball inside. I did not check every one before hand, but now I will. The same thing could apply to a roller bearing I suppose.

    I would remove the valve cover and pinpoint the noise with a stethoscope or screwdriver and make sure everything on top is 100%. Crank the engine with ignition off with the palm of your hand riding on the rocker feeling for anything abnormal.

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    I am gonna play it safe tear it back down and replace all the lifter and hope the cam ain’t screwed! Again I appreciate the help!! I am still curious as to the many many many cams that were squeaky.

  16. #16
    Senior Tuner mbray01's Avatar
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    Ill tell you it isnt an elgin. From my understanding of the issue, it isnt the lifter roller thats the problem, its the cam lobe, there is an imperfection, that Grabs the roller, and after so many cycles, it just quits rolling. If this is the case, its new cam and lifters
    Last edited by mbray01; 04-29-2019 at 12:35 PM.
    Michael Bray
    Rusty Knuckle Garage
    Slidell, Louisiana
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    Custom Car Fabrication, Customization, High Performance.
    GM World Class Technician
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    Thanks again!