Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Correction
Plugged oil filter	Replace the oil filter.
Low oil pressure	Verify proper oil level. Perform an oil pressure test. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing . Repair or replace as required.
Loose and/or worn valve rocker arm attachments	Inspect the valve rocker arm stud, nut or bolt. Repair or replace as required.
Worn valve rocker arm	Replace the valve rocker arm.
Worn pushrod guide plate	Replace as required.
Bent or damaged push rod	Inspect the following components, and replace as required: The valve rocker arm The valve push rod The valve lifter
Improper lubrication to the valve rocker arms	Inspect the following components, and repair or replace as required: The valve rocker arm The valve push rod The valve lifter The oil filter bypass valve The oil pump and pump screen The engine block oil galleries
Broken valve spring	Replace the valve spring.
Worn and/or damaged valve rotators	Replace the valve rotators as required.
Worn or dirty valve lifters	Replace the valve lifters.
Stretched or broken timing chain and/or damaged sprocket teeth	Replace the timing chain and sprockets.
Worn camshaft lobes	Inspect the camshaft lobes. Replace the camshaft and valve lifters as required.
Worn valve guides or valve stems	Inspect the following components, and repair as required: The valves The valve guides
Stuck valves Carbon on the valve stem or valve seat may cause the valve to stick.	Inspect the following components, and repair as required: Use GM Top Engine Cleaner, GM P/N 1050002, (Canadian P/N 992872), to eliminate carbon deposits following manufacturer's instructions The valves The valve guides