1994 Stealth knock/maybe exhaust leak?

[StealthySicilian94]

So I own a 1994 Dodge Stealth R/T that just started making a loud sound whenever it is revved past idle. It sounds worst at around 3000 rpm. However, the sound its making is really not a knocking in my opinion. It almost sounds like a loud exhaust leak, but I could be wrong. Oil pressure is good, it is not overheating, I've got the 3rd gen big bore lifters on it with around 1000-1200 miles on them, oil is full (I'm running 5w30) so I'm at a bit of a loss. I do have a video, not the best but its all I have at the moment At the beginning you can hear it the most in the first rev. It definitely sounds like it is coming from the rear right hand side, around the plenum/manifold area. If anybody has any ideas or advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[Boomer3000]

Welcome to the sbc!

[StealthySicilian94]

i sure hope not. I see you're in St. Louis, that's actually where I'm at. Know anybody local that works on these cars? I know of Rob Von Morgan and Bill Buell.

[Boomer3000]

That's who you should call, Von is pretty busy but always seems to fit everybody in some how(one of those 3s guru things I guess).

If you are mechanically inclined, I would say drain the oil see if you see any flakes in the oil, maybe one of those small extendo magnets into the pan and see what you get. Or more trouble shooting. Either way that's what mine sounded like

Where in stl are you located? We have a local stl Facebook page for our group and try us3s.org. Most of the stl3s guys use that to stay in touch or introduce locals.

[Djmba]

Honestly, it is kind of hard to tell from the video because I mostly hear valvetrain noise.

5W-30 is pretty thin oil. I usually use 10W-30 or heavier, but that mostly depends on oil pressure and mileage.

First step would be to take an oil sample to see if there are metal flakes. It would be best to drain the oil completely and cut open the oil filter. I recommend not driving the vehicle until it is verified whether it is or isn't a spun bearing.

Edit: Boomer3000 was typing as I was and beat me to it. Lol.

[StealthySicilian94]

Okay thanks a lot man, appreciate it. Do you happen to have Von's number you could PM me? I'll go ahead and drain the oil and see if I see anything and give him a call. Thanks again and yeah definitely not gonna be driving it anywhere until it is all figured out, thanks for both quick replies.

Edit: Im in Florissant, what's the facebook page? I would definitely appreciate any local support

[StealthySicilian94]

Just a follow up, I did talk to Von and due to him (understandably) being backed up 1-2 months and my stealth being my only transportation, I brought it to a shop where it was diagnosed with a bad hydraulic tensioner. Thankfully, it wasn't to the point where my valves got destroyed and the tensioner as well as the timing belt was replaced and it was re-timed. Problem solved! The kicker? My old hydraulic tensioner and belt were only 6,000 miles old. Hm. Oh well, either way just giving a follow up on what happened in case anybody else comes across a similar problem.

[Boomer3000]

Wow, well good thing man... Never heard of a tensioner making noise like that. But glad you got it sorted out. And also great that you dodged that bullet man!!!