OK, so I made a post about my engine knock, and got some pretty generalize answers. It was noted by darthroush that what I have sounds like piston slap. I have finally found a video that describes it best. Maybe I could get a better answer.


Any idea of what it might be?

 

They ALL do it.

 

No, they don't. I've heard Neons that were almost silent. If it's something I can fix, it would be great.

 

while its running, get an engine stethoscope to try and pinpoint where the sound is actually coming from. it could very well be cylinder head noise, and quite a bit less labor intensive than an engine rebuild. if you determine its definitely coming from further south than the head, the next step is actual inspection, so try pulling the oil pan (im pretty sure it can be done with engine in car, as opposed to pulling it to remove pan) and checking for play of the crank and rod bearings perhaps even see if you can check for loose pistons in the cylinder with a good wiggle test, that's how i would go about it.

 

It sounds more pronounced in cylinders two and three. I can hear it more from the back of the engine, and I will do that with my next oil change.

 

Neons have that ticking, but not a knocking.

 

Yea, the ticking is the injectors. I'm fine with that. But that knocking is starting to annoy me. It's getting to the point where the neighbors can hear it.

 

Yeah, well, that's not piston slap...unless that is a cold engine? In which case, it could still be.

 

Mine used to be louder than that. I always thought it was a piston, but after doing my timing belt, water pump and swapping the stock header for a stainless steel one the noise is gone. All I hear now is the injector ticking which is loud indeed, but absolutely normal.
My thought, it's an exhaust leak. So grab a 10mm wrench and tighten all header bolts while the engine is cold and see if that cures the noise.
Good luck!

 

Hmm. Good point. Although mine has done it before and after it's timing belt episode. Practically rebuilt head, every valve was replaced. @Darthroush Mine does it regardless of the temperature, and it sounds almost exactly like that.