It was in the 70's in mi. today so I decided to take my crossfire for a quick spin after sitting for 6 months in storage. I store it jacked up with tires off the floor and a battery maintainer on it. I do not start it during storage. I fired it up and let it ideal for a couple minutes and I noticed a loud tick (sounds like a lifter). After driving it for a couple miles pulled it back into the garage and still has a loud tick. The car has been stored for two winters and only has 900 miles on it. Do you think it will go away after I drive it for a few miles or is there something I can do to get rid of the noise. It scares me at the thought of to taking the car in for service. I read a lot of members saying they don't know how to work on it and the thought of scratches, we won't even go there. Any suggestions?

 

Frank, during storage, do you use STA-BIL or another fuel stabilizer?
If not, that could be your problem. Either way, you may want to put some fuel injector cleaner in the gas tank and let it run for a good while. If the ticking is still there - I fear it is off to the service department.
Good luck.

 

WOW, I need to show this to my wife who says I never drive mine!

Sorry back on subject, I agree with RPM and would guess an injector is sounding off.

 

try some oil additive also might be a sticky lifter from standing so long. they make additives just for that.

 

I was told by someone not to put a gasoline stabilizer in the gas because it would make the car run very sluggish until I use all of the gas. I just filled the car with gas to keep moisture out of the tank. Is there a way to determine if it is a fuel injector or a stuck lifter. Also I have been told not to put any additives in the oil. If I did would it void the warranty or cause sludge build-up? I really don't want to take it to the dealer if I don't have too. Most mechanics don't take extra care not to scratch your car. When I had the fan recall repaired they put a scrape in the air cleaner cover. I understand you can force them to repair the scratch but I would rather not have a repainted fender.

 

at this point you don't much of a choice, it won't correct itself. i would put the additives in and run it and see if they noise goes away if it does go away then change the oil.

 

Frank, I believe the owner's manual says to put in a fuel stabilizer before storage. I use STA-BIL in everything that runs gas over the winters (mowers, pressure washer, etc.).
I wouldn't put anything in the oil as of yet. Just pick up some STP (or another brand you prefer) Fuel Injector Cleaner, pour it in the gas tank and let it run for a good while.
I use the FI cleaner in all my cars at every oil change (3,000 miles), haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood).

Guess if you wanted to try an oil additive, you could drain all of the oil, and refill substituting a quart of oil with Slick 50 Synthetic additive (or the like).

Sounds to me like some of your fuel in the engine has perhaps 'gummed' up.

Let us know what you decide and what happens. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the information RPM, I'll add it to my gas before I put it away next fall. I started the car today to try and see if I could figure out if it was lifter or injector noise and guess what. Noise is gone !!! Thank god, I really didn't want to take it in. I let it idle for a few minutes then took it for a quick spin still no noise when I pulled it back into the garage. I'll put some injector cleaner in it before I start driving it this spring.

 

Good to hear. Hard to tell how long it would be in the shop. Wouldn't want to head to Motown without you.

 

I garage mine through the MI winter as well, on cardboard to keep the tires off the concrete. I always use Stabil as well as filling the tank to minimize condensation. I also change the oil just before storing it.

Mine sat from Xmas to last weekend and when I started it, I heard a tapping sound as well. I let the car run for 10 minutes and then shut it down. Did not pull it out of the garage. Maybe Sunday if the roads are dry. I think driving it around and getting oil to circulate well will solve the problem. PS - I have just under 21k miles.

Let us know what you find out.

 

I wonder if it would be better to start the car every mouth thru the winter. Has anyone else that stores there crossfire hear this tapping when started in spring? Let me know if the tapping is gone when you start it again.

 

Frank, I usually start mine up once every week or two in storage. I just let it warm up to normal temperature and then shut it off.

My father in law however just puts STA-BIL in his Vette and Acura (that he never drives) and leaves them in storage for 5 months or so (snow-birds). Guess it depends on the person.

 

Frank, I agree with RPM. I also start mine in the winter every other week and let it run to reach op temperature. I also use Sta-Bil or HEET to remove the moisture.

Glad to hear the problem is gone. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but it might not be a bad idea to remove that old gas.