oopsitouchedmyself

iTrader: (2)

Lately my car will have loud lifter noise when i cold start it. not all the time and only for a few seconds, but a few times. any idea's on what this could be? i think it just means my little valve thing on the oil filter is sticking open and letting the oil drain out of the head while it's sitting, resulting in the noise when i first start it up. any other idea's are welcome.

RYRO14

iTrader: (1)

IMO, if the noise goes away after the start and you get no CEL I wouldnt worry about it.

07cobaltguy

direct injection /thread

Iam Broke

iTrader: (10)

Might be the cam phasers. Change your oil.

cmiller8006

iTrader: (3)

Wrong, but anyway. change your oil see if it goes away.

slowbalt84

it happens when vtec engages

slowstang

iTrader: (3)

Are you talking about the loud rattle that last for about 1-2 seconds after a cold start. It usually happens about 2-3 seconds into the cold startup...if so than my car does it too.

oopsitouchedmyself

iTrader: (2)

you're an idiot for not listening. i didn't get up to 25,000 miles on my car and just start noticing my CDFP now. and the CDFP doesn't shut off after a few seconds either. it's lifter noise. I plan on changing the oil this weekend so hopefully that clears it up. i was just curious if anyone intelligent had any input. (hint hint)

hallss

mine does the same thing dealer said its just lifter noise at start up.....i don't like it but they checked all the lash and said it was fine. anyone have a remedy for this... i just changed my oil btw. wish these cars has a damn oil pressure gauge

oopsitouchedmyself

iTrader: (2)

a guy i talked to said to try running 5w30 in the winter. not sure how cold it gets by you but it gets pretty cold around here.

blackbird

The biggest suggestion would be to try a different brand of oil. If you're using the factory fill M1 5w30 it's a pretty thin oil in that viscosity range which would normally be better for cold starts but I've also known more than a few cars that have a little noisier valve-trains when using it. Also what filter cartridge have you been running? Since the bypass valve isn't built into it like a conventional spin-on filter there shouldn't be much difference, but again it might be worth trying a different filter as the media may have different flow restriction characteristics with cold, thicker oil.

One other thing you might try to partially rule out oil issues is to crank the car for a few seconds with the accelerator pedal to the floor. The computer will think you're trying to clear a flooded engine and won't fire the injectors so the car won't start. This should help build up oil pressure prior to starting the car. Do it for about 5 to 10 seconds and then try starting the car normally and see if you still get the noise. I wouldn't be doing it every start as its more wear and tear on the starter, but might be worth trying for troubleshooting.

oopsitouchedmyself

iTrader: (2)

i run Mobil 1 full syn 10w30. have ran amsoil also. i used the GM filters. i wil change the oil this weekend if i can and hope that cures the problem. thanks for the tips.

blackbird

If you do the oil changes yourself and can get the 5-quart jugs at a local Wal-Mart, you might consider trying the Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 or possibly Castrol Syntec 5w30. I'm not sure where at in Wisconsin you live, but considering it is winter the 10w30 might also be a little on the thick side for cold starts. I'd have no problem running that in summer but in winter (or summer for that matter) there is absolutely nothing wrong with running the factory recommended 5w30.

jsscooby

I have a noise too on cold start ups that sounds like the OP is describing. I am in the process of trying to get an audio recording of it to see if anyone else knows for sure. My car has to be sitting overnight in freezing temps to produce this about 1 second long rattle like noise coming from the engine bay. I am personally suspecting an initial lack of oil pressure. I currently have B&G 5w30 full synthetic and the level is perfect and I am not due for an oil change yet. I guess an easy test would be to change the oil while it is still cold out with the Castrol EDGE I just bought and see if it reproduces.

sheldon729

One:... over head cammed engines dont use lifters they got lash adjusters and roller followers. That valve you are referring to is in the pump and known as the pressure relief valve but ive never heard of one failing on a ecotec yet, but that valve is next to the crankshaft balancer it has a internal hex style bolt on the front cover pointed down and back towards the rear of the engine bay. Ive seen many roller followers crap out and make a heck of a tick from my experience working as a gm tech

sheldon729

Have you noticed a split second of a low oil pressure light? is so this coould be caused by debris clogging the oil feed restrictor in the cylinder head passage. The oil feed hole has a small ID and may clog if excessive RTV or similar type gasket/sealer has dislodged and become stuck in this passage. Anytime RTV or similar is used care must be taken not to use excessive amounts that can become dislodged causing future concerns. This restrictor is located in the oil feed passage to the cylinder head and cannot be inspected/cleaned without cylinder head removal.

jsscooby

lol, yeah I know the lnf doesn't have lifters. I was more so just saying about the noise OP is describing. Also no, I have not noticed even a split second low oil pressure light. Although I will take note of that and watch out for it when I start my car this morning.

jsscooby

of course I went outside to attempt to record this noise and I cannot seem to catch it. The car is making it, but it just isn't audible enough to be heard on tape.

hunter19707

I believe my car was making the same noise. I haven't heard it since I had the oil leak by the high pressure fuel pump fixed though. Wondering if that may have something to do with it?

Zander916

I haven't noticed the noise BUT... I wouldn't worry. If it goes away after a few seconds then probably no big deal.

I once had a '95 Grand Am that had a bulletin on it about "piston slap" at cold start up. Let me tell ya, if you think a little lifter noise is disturbing...
Apparently that noise was also 'normal'... well, at least nothing to worry about they said and you know, I sold that car with 155K miles on it and STILL running like a champ! It was even the infamous "Quad Four" 2.3L.

jsscooby

yeah I'm not too concerned. Just one always wonders when their car makes noises it shouldn't lol.