i have a 85 cutlass with the 3.8L v6 and it started to make a knocking noise. This has happened once before, and it showed a low oil temperature. This time around, the low oil light has not come on, the car does not overheat, nor does it shut off. I was wondering if you all could help in deciphering this mystery? Thanks in advance.

 

Is your oil level ok?? Is it a knock or a tapping noise??

 

the oil level is ok, and its a knock...i was told that it was my lifters. :/

 

I thought if it was a tapping noise , that it was the lifters , and if its knocking , it is usually in the lower motor such as the wrist pin on the connecting rod.

 

Some of those 3.8L v-6 engines that sit cross ways had a weak point at the harmonic balancer that would come loose and rattle and sound like a rod knocking.