Wastegate Mod...and a new sound

[SCVanguard]

So I did the Wastegate mod last night.

This morning when I took my car out, it did get up to 20 psi and I could feel a *little* difference in the car.

But then...I started hearing a new sound. It sounds like metal tapping against metal very fast in the engine bay infront of the driver. I could hear it during acceleration up to about 50 mph and would continue in deceleration until about 2-3 mph and go away. When I got to work, I tried replicating it in park and revving the engine, but I couldn't hear it.

Is it possible that the mod created this vibration? I'll check to make sure everything is tight when I get home, but I'm 99.9% sure I ratcheted the bolts down good...

[SCVanguard]

So on the drive home I didn't quite hear the same sound. When I pulled in the garage, I opened her up and listened for a bit. This is what I heard...

YouTube - Not a healthy sound...

Yeah. That is a very bad sound. I will admit that it is not as loud with everything else...the clicking sound just really cut through on the recording. The view is on the driver side of the engine. I'm not a huge car buff, but I'm thinking it could be a valve.

I'm going to put the wastegate back to stock and, pending some advice here from people who are in the know, take it back to Saturn of Scottsdale.

[ceeker]

Check your intercooler hose clamps it may be an air leak.

Try tightening the clamps while the engine is running to see if it makes a difference.

The extra boost can blow a hose loose that wasn't super tight.

[SCVanguard]

Put the Wastegate back to stock(ish). The sound is still there. I didn't check the hoses yet, but I'm pretty sure that an air leak wouldn't sound like an old metal alarm clock stuck in my engine...would it?

[JohnD]

You know the old saying:

There's no such thing as a "Free Wastegate Mod..."

Hope it all turns out okay.

[ceeker]

Originally Posted by SCVanguard

Put the Wastegate back to stock(ish). The sound is still there. I didn't check the hoses yet, but I'm pretty sure that an air leak wouldn't sound like an old metal alarm clock stuck in my engine...would it?

An air leak can cause all kinds of noise from the engine.

[SCVanguard]

Drove it into Saturn of Arrowhead today. They listened... and then looked at me puzzled and said "That's 100% normal. What you are hearing is the 2nd fuel pump. It's right against the firewall and it resonates through the cabin if you are really listening for it."

I guess I just didn't listen hard enough when I bought the car.

[Sky_Pilot]

Originally Posted by SCVanguard

Drove it into Saturn of Arrowhead today. They listened... and then looked at me puzzled and said "That's 100% normal. What you are hearing is the 2nd fuel pump. It's right against the firewall and it resonates through the cabin if you are really listening for it."

I guess I just didn't listen hard enough when I bought the car.

Isn't this the same dealer that said they never heard of the brake retrofit. Maybe it's time to find a new dealer, eh?

I purchased mine through one of the 6 dealers in Sandy Eggo, about 100 miles from home, but have had service performed, no that's not right, service declined, yeah that's sit, at Saturn of Santa Ana. I'm thinking that getting service at the dealer that sold it to me may just do the trick...

[jus2shy]

Originally Posted by SCVanguard

So I did the Wastegate mod last night.

This morning when I took my car out, it did get up to 20 psi and I could feel a *little* difference in the car.

But then...I started hearing a new sound. It sounds like metal tapping against metal very fast in the engine bay infront of the driver. I could hear it during acceleration up to about 50 mph and would continue in deceleration until about 2-3 mph and go away. When I got to work, I tried replicating it in park and revving the engine, but I couldn't hear it.

Is it possible that the mod created this vibration? I'll check to make sure everything is tight when I get home, but I'm 99.9% sure I ratcheted the bolts down good...

Personally, this does sound like the High Pressure Fuel pump on my car. Your description sounds about right. At about 50 mph, you're probably spinning the engine fast enough where it becomes a smoother sound, and then when you hit 2-3mph decelerating, the engine is basically near idle and if you listen very carefully, it'll make 1 loud tick, and 3 or 4 quieter subsequent ticks. It's really cool if you listen to the mechanical orchestra under your hood. I didn't notice any of these noises for 800 miles after buying my sky. Just like you, I was freaked out, but that does sound like the fuel pump to me.

HERE IS HOW TO FIND OUT IF IT IS YOUR FUEL PUMP!!!

Start the car up cold and pop open the hood. It should sound all clangy just like your video. If after 5 or ten minutes (when the engine is fully warmed up) the sound basically goes away or the frequency of ticks drops significantly to once ever 2 or 3 seconds, then it is definitely the fuel pump. Remember, our Redlines pump up to 2000psi of fuel into each combustion chamber.

[SCVanguard]

that's 100% right mate. I did that the other night and that's what I heard.

Situation under control, code 4

[thejewcanoe]

yeah i hear the exact same sound out of mine. to me it sounded like my 1972 monte carlo's old 350 when it needed oil added until we replaced the entire motor. i was scared at first until i did some rummaging on the forum about it. apparently there is a TSB out about it and it is completely normal for the fuel pumps.... but as far as what the wastegate may have done to it that's a different story. there was also a TSB on the hose clamps on the turbo working themselves loose at stock psi and 20 psi with no break in might do that a little faster.
read this link about the engine. it might scare you and give you peace of mind at the same time.

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line - GM High-Tech Performance Magazine

[thejewcanoe]

ah found it. on post #18

Help: Engine Ticking Noise, Fuel Injectors?

and here is a direct link to it.

http://skyredline.com/gallery/files/3/3/scan_429746.jpg