Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra and 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Correction
Low oil pressure	Verify oil pressure. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing . Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Improper lubrication of the valve train components	Verify oil pressure. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing . Inspect the valve rocker arms. Inspect the valve push rods. Inspect the valve lifters. Inspect the oil filter bypass valve. Inspect the oil pump and pump screen. Inspect the engine block oil galleries. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn, damaged or improperly installed valve rocker arm	Inspect the valve rocker arms. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn or damaged valve rotator	Inspect the valve rotators. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Broken valve spring	Inspect the valve springs. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn, damaged or stuck valves, carbon on the valve stem or valve seat	Inspect the valves. Inspect the valve guides. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn or damaged valve guide	Inspect the valve guides. Inspect the valves. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn, damaged or bent valve push rod	Inspect the valve rocker arms. Inspect the valve push rods. Inspect the valve lifters. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn, damaged or dirty valve lifter	Inspect the valve lifters. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn or damaged camshaft lobes	Inspect the engine camshaft lobes. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn, damaged, improperly installed or loose timing chain and sprockets	Inspect the timing chain and sprockets. Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn, damaged or improperly installed timing chain tensioner, if equipped	Inspect the timing chain tensioner. Repair or replace damaged components as required.