by "Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
Published 03/06/2017 at 10:59
by "Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
Published 03/06/2017 at 10:59
No Tags
STARS: 0
I bought a 2013 Impala last summer with 70k miles on it. I’m getting a rattle noise at cold start in the morning that goes away after about half a mile. My mechanic (who has boo-coo certifications) says it’s probably the timing chain getting loose and or beginning to fail. I understand that timing chain failures are a thing for these engines. Current mileage is 77k.
No check engine light indicating timing issues.
My mechanic recommends I drain and examine the oil and have the oil analyzed. I think this sounds like a good plan.
What do any of you know about these engines or this problem? Recommend an oil analysis lab?
Thanks.
"RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
03/06/2017 at 11:10, STARS: 0
If it were an old-school Mercedes, one would take the valve cover off, get an idea of chain tension, and check the timing and stretch - taking just a few hours even if the chain itself were getting replaced. However, if it were an old-school Mercedes it would also not be needing a chain at 70k.
If the tensioners and guides typically need a replacement too, and there’s no easy way to check tension, the oil check may be instructive.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
03/06/2017 at 11:20, STARS: 0
Sounds like an audi. Their chains make a little racket in startup too, yeah, the oil analysis would be a good idea. I thought I remember blackstone as a company that would do that. But I have no firsthand experience.... yet, I do have another audi, so I should do the analysis as well next oil change.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
03/06/2017 at 11:22, STARS: 0
How long do these go between oil changes? I’m on the preventative 5000 mile plan now for all my vehicles, no more of that 10k interval BS. I don’t want my timing chain lunching the chain guides. I figure I can do a crap load of “extra” oil changes for the cost of a timing chain replacement.
"Jarrett - [BRZ Boi]" (jarrettw)
03/06/2017 at 11:24, STARS: 0
I’m far from a mechanic, but what about a small hole/crack in the exhaust?
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
03/06/2017 at 11:31, STARS: 0
I think it’s too new for chain issues. I seem to remember ‘09-’11 being the bad years.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/06/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 0
My thinking. Do you have any experience with an oil analysis lab or recommend one?
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/06/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0
Your comment fits with some others that I have heard from other sources. I hope you are correct. I like the drain and fill, oil analysis plan.
Can you recommend an oil analysis lab?
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
03/06/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 1
Blackstone labs
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/
"RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
03/06/2017 at 11:45, STARS: 0
I’ve never had call for one. My three running vehicles would return results of “yes, that’s a (insanely high mileage/low-compression poorly burning/new rebuilt) engine sample” depending on which, so there’s little point.
I do seem to recall that the best procedures would be to do a baseline sample and then do repeated samples after that time, but a check for timing debris and wear is obviously not the most common kind of oil check - it’s a doctor’s visit and not a checkup.
This does remind me that I need to do a change on the Galaxie and drop in something other than Rotella, though... Topped it off with Rotella for it being very low and Rotella having good old-school engine additives, but it’s very much too heavy for regular use in a fresh Ford smallblock.
"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
03/06/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0
If oil change intervals weren’t exactly followed by the previous owner for those first 70k miles, it’s totally believable that around 80k the bicycle chains in it will start to give out. They generally start throwing codes before they truly need replacement though.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/06/2017 at 13:18, STARS: 0
#sellitnow
No codes yet.
I’m going to change the oil this week. What weight would you recommend?
"Censored" (chrisbrown2992)
03/06/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 0
I don’t think that a timing chain noise would go away as it warms up.
I had an 04 with the 3.8 (so totally different engine) that suffered from piston slap and had the exact same symptoms as you have. It was explained to me that because the block and pistons were different materials and expanded undwr heat at different rates, that when cold the piston was too loose in the bore.
"Censored" (chrisbrown2992)
03/06/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 1
Mechanic said it was nothing to worry about as long as it went away within a minute. Also that it was common in gm’s al block v engines.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
03/06/2017 at 13:45, STARS: 0
If not VVT solenoid related I know some had a noise from the exhaust that went away when it warmed. It was “normal”, something to do with a shield or double wall construction.
"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
03/06/2017 at 16:05, STARS: 0
I wouldn’t go that far until it starts throwing codes and making chain noise near constantly. Even then the car is worth more than a chain service would go for even at dealership pricing.
Just stick to the cap recommended 5W30. Maybe use Mobil 1 because that’s what GM branded Dexos actually is. Otherwise just be very preventative with your oil change schedule. I wouldn’t go past 5k a change, 3k if you’re really concerned.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/06/2017 at 18:03, STARS: 0
Interesting...
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/06/2017 at 18:05, STARS: 0
I get some exhaust racket also when it’s cold. Impalas rattle, but this is definitely an engine noise. I am going to dump the car and pay my taxes with the proceeds and drive old beaters.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/06/2017 at 18:09, STARS: 0
Thanks. I am going to dump the car and I feel less guilty about it for having read your comment. And I probably won’t buy another Impala, either. Not hatin’, mind you, just sayin’.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
03/07/2017 at 06:33, STARS: 0
oil pump?
chains are a big issue with alloytec V6 motors.
do chains and replace oil pump whilst it’s apart.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/07/2017 at 07:44, STARS: 0
Gonna dump the car.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
03/07/2017 at 07:46, STARS: 0
best idea.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
03/07/2017 at 11:26, STARS: 0
I need the cash anyhow.