I was reading a thread about the vortecs having a piston slapping noise on a cold start. my 95 tbi has done that after a couple months of rebuilding the motor. mechanics say it could be the torque converter, flywheel, many things. any ideas of what i can check to start eliminating causes?

 

uhh ... well sounds like the sky's the limit.

I'd start with a stethoscope and listen for where the noise is the LOUDEST. You'll be able to hear the noise everywhere, but figure out where it's the loudest and go from there.

Good luck

 

that eliminates alot. not. lol but thanks for the help

 

Check torque converter bolts, but they would make the noise all the time not just on start up. Usually you can tell when it is TC bolts by putting it in gear and the noise changes - sometimes if you power brake it (not spinning the rear the tires just giving a little gas with foot on the brake in gear) it will completely go away. Sounds like you have an oil pressure issue if the TC bolts are tight.

 

my oil pressure is usually a little lower then 40. if its normal or not im not sure. but im not losing oil as far as i know. havent noticed it anyway. what would cause the oil pressure issue? thanks for all the help.

 

I'm not sure if my truck has an oil pressure issue, but in my mind, it's okay. My gauge pegs as soon as the engine runs and is cold for a bit. After running at running temperature, then the oil pressure drops to the center of the gauge and fluctuates based on RPM. It apparently has a new oil sender on it.

I'm not sure who's is correct, but it's there for discussion.

 

You could have a pump getting weak or even a clogged pickup tube. Either way, I have to agree with Shamrock that it sounds like an oil distribution issue.

 

boy oh boy. great. lol. well guys ill update when i get some cash to investigate all this. should be within a couple weeks. thanks for all the help an suggestions