engine knocking/ticking noise.

i have a 98 grand prix 3800 with 114k miles. i recently (like 6-7 days ago) changed the upper intake plenum. i had the car running fine until 2 days ago the service engine light came on solid not blinking but the car was running perfect. today i go out to start my car and now ther is knocking or a ticking sound almost like a sewing machine. the service light is stillsolid so its not a misfire. what could it be?- oh yeah and i checked the oil, no coolant in there.

We need the DTC codes posted to tell what is going on with your car, and what model of GP is like it is a SE.

its a gt. il have the code tonight. im at work right now lol.

Did you replace the oil and put in a new oil filter after the intake job?

nope. I just topped off the coolant and bled the air out.

Although you may not see it it sure sounds like coolant contamination in the crankcase. It plays hell with the lifters and that is the sound you are probably hearing. Why was the UIM job done in the first place?

Did you just have the UIM off? Or the LIM also?

I had to replace the upper intake plenum because it cracked and let coolant into the motor and hydro locked it from the top. After the fix it seemed fine. no noises or smells. it ran better than ever. then the light pops on and all hell breaks loose.

If you experienced a hydro-lock condition with upper plenum puke, it definitely squeezed some antifreeze past the rings into the crankcase ... oil and filter change would have been first and foremost post repair .. bearing babbit amongst other internal hard parts aren't friends with an antifreeze/oil cocktail.

so is it still savable? or am i looking at a lot of money?

The damage may be done at this point, but it's worth an attempt. Quite frankly, I'd go get a case and two filters and change it a second time after 100mi of 'flushing' the crankcase with the first oil change.

I second. Its probably best to just change the oil and filter before tearing the motor out. We had a forum memeber on here not too long ago who had the same lifter tick that all of a sudden appeared out of no where. A new oil change solved his problem.

Also I do not know what brand oil filter you are running, but it is probably best if you get that junky fram or ac-delco off there. I always run wix now since delco's have dropped in quality. Also GM recommends 10w30 oil for its 3800 II motor.

BTW, what DTC is set?

ok its been a few days. I still haven't the had time or the tool to do the scan and to tell you guys the truth im a little afraid to drive it to an autozone. Iv been doing some reading and people keep saying to seafoam it then change the oil. is this a good idea?

The Seafoam (engine treatment version) acts as a dryer. It will help remove moisture and coolant out of the engine. Put in about 8 ounces directly into the oil filler spout and run engine for about 15 minutes. Then drain out old oil. Add new oil and a new oil filter.

If the problem persists them you probably have bad LIM gaskets. BTDT!