90 pickup 22R knocking! Plz help!!

[todfox]

My oil light started coming on while driving. Got it home, let it settle, checked the oil..and none! Added 4 quarts and let it sit overnight, checked again and it had 4 quarts too much! Drained it and re-filled it. Started it and the oil light came on again and it sounded like a deisel (like before I had the timing chain replaced in 2001)! Let it sit most of the day, checked the oil again (normal) and started it and it was fine for about 5 minutes. No lights, no noize.....then it started knocking!! Not a little pinging like bad gas, but actual knocking. Doesn't sound good.....Please let me know how bad you guys think it is.

[flyguy123]

Sounds like your oil ports are clogged. Have you pulled the valve covers, I bet its full of sludge. How long did you run it while it was knocking? You may have damaged your bearings.

[todfox]

I didn't hear the knocking until I was pulling into my drive-way. But from the time the oil light came on 'til I made it home was about 15 minutes. I think I got lucky with that part, anyway. I know I would have that noise! And thank you for the reply! Sounds more positive than what I thought, bit I'm no mechanic!

[flyguy123]

I wouldnt drive it knocking like that. Where is the knock coming from, top or bottom?

[todfox]

It sounds more like it's coming from the top. And, no, I haven't driven it since I parked that day. I bought this truck new and know how it should sound...and that wasn't it!

I've replaced valve cover gaskets before, so that's no problem, but how would I go about cleaning the oil ports? I've never even heard of that being a problem (remember, I'm no mechanic...just good with my hands). Is there some solution to use or what's the process?

Thank you again!

[flyguy123]

I would pull your valve covers and try to get as much of the sludge out as you can. Now they do sell engine flush in a bottle but I have never used it and don't know of anyone that has. Make sure you don't use any abrasive material when cleaning and try to use lint free rags.

Now as far as the knocking....since it is on the top end of the engine I would guess that your wrist pins are what is causing your knock. I have drove on engines with this type of knock but sooner or later it will fail. It could run for a few hundred miles or a few thousand. Look for metal shavings in your oil, this is a good indication of engine failure. Hope this helps...good luck!