Knocking in an engine is never a good thing. I'd check three things: engine bearings, valve lifters and timing chain, all of which can make noise. First thing though, is to put a mechanical gauge in place of the sending unit and check actual engine oil pressure. this will give you a good idea what is going on. low readings can be bearings, normal readings can be the other two items. I could give you a definite idea by listening, but I really can't hear it from here.!(one of the frustrating drawbacks to doing this online) An experienced tech can listen and tell you pretty much what's going on.
Remember...check pressure first...If pressure is bad, you will do more harm while looking around at other items and running it.
You will need to buy or borrow a mechanical gauge. To use it, you remove the oil pressure sender and attach the gauge line there. Once installed, just read the pressure on the gauge. Cold, at idle pressure will read 30lbs or higher...What is of most concern is hot pressure which should never be below 15psi (I prefer to see 20 or better) This is absolute low pressure at idle in gear. There is no "quick repair" if the pressure is low. It indicates that there is a pressure loss inside the engine that needs to be dealt with.
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thanks for the feedback! checking the actual oil pressure was also on the very long list of possibilities to check!
i,ve had a few grand am's before and many issues go wrong with them including replacing a head gasket but have never had to have a oil pressure test done specifically that i can remenber.what i don't ubderstand is that the car ran just fine with no knock or indication that there was anything wrong, 30 minutes later get back in it and it started knocking acceleration and hesitating when in idle speed!? any other suggestions would greatly be appreciated! how is the oil pressure test done and with what device ( if it can be done diy), should i have it brought to a shop for this?
a gut feeling would tell me that it would be your head gasket. what size of motor do you have?
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