Chevy Trax cold start metal knock sound

[hardcore302]

When starting the Trax in the morning lately I hear an approximately one second long metal knocking sound, which then goes away quickly. It's pretty loud. It has been 30-40 degrees lately. 1K since recent oil change. Filter type is the UFI with the spring on it. Level seems fine. 80K miles. Really worrying me. Sounds similar to rod knock I think. Thanks.

 

[Thermo1223]

Piston Slap? It will sound awfully close to rod knock when cold and goes away once it warms up.

 

[hardcore302]

Piston Slap? It will sound awfully close to rod knock when cold and goes away once it warms up.

I've heard the term before but I'm not sure what it is. Is it harmful?

 

[JavierH19]

Could just be piston slap. Can't be rod knock if it goes away at idle after a little or if you don't hear it when you rev it.

 

[Thermo1223]

I've heard the term before but I'm not sure what it is. Is it harmful?

Piston Slap Explained
“Piston slap is generally caused when the cold running clearance (piston-to-wall clearance) is large enough that when the piston rocks from side to side in the bore it “slaps” the side of the cylinder and causes noise,”

Usually it's harmless for the most part just an annoyance.

 

[DriveHard]

My guess would be piston slap, GM is known for it in their short skirt piston designs.

 

[hardcore302]

I've hear seafoam helps. Or should I just live with it?

 

[JavierH19]

I've hear seafoam helps. Or should I just live with it?

what viscosity are you using now.

 

[hardcore302]

Piston Slap Explained
“Piston slap is generally caused when the cold running clearance (piston-to-wall clearance) is large enough that when the piston rocks from side to side in the bore it “slaps” the side of the cylinder and causes noise,”

Usually it's harmless for the most part just an annoyance.

Thank you.

 

[hardcore302]

what viscosity are you using now.

5w30 dexos full syn

 

[OVERKILL]

I've hear seafoam helps. Or should I just live with it?

Making the oil thinner and more volatile is definitely not going to help.

 

[hardcore302]

Making the oil thinner and more volatile is definitely not going to help.

Ahh ok.

 

[Hermann]

Try a different oil filter, the one on the car may have an issue. Did the noise start after the last oil change?

 

[hardcore302]

Try a different oil filter, the one on the car may have an issue. Did the noise start after the last oil change?

Not sure but now that I think about it... probably.

 

[Ursatdx]

You are probably aware that the trax has two different filter applications.
Whether or not a wrong filter can describe the knocking I do not know.
Pretty sure the filter with the spring on top has a cap labeled Hengst.
YMMV

 

[hardcore302]

You are probably aware that the trax has two different filter applications.
Whether or not a wrong filter can describe the knocking I do not know.
Pretty sure the filter with the spring on top has a cap labeled Hengst.
YMMV

I am aware. The UFI cap designates the one with the spring. I always provide the filter. Tha k you, though!

 

[c502cid]

Most definitely do a filter change. Piston Slap is not common with this motor, and you'd have it since new, it wouldn't just show up.

 

[Wrenchturner44]

Most definitely do a filter change. Piston Slap is not common with this motor, and you'd have it since new, it wouldn't just show up.

Hardcore, C502 is correct. I have this same engine in my Encore. Another thing that you might try is to add some Liqui Moly hydraulic lifter additive to engine after you sort / confirm the oil filter type. These engines are turbo charged and thus create a fair amount of combustion soot that travels through the engine. It is important to make sure that you keep the engine clean with regular changes as much as possible.

 

[hardcore302]

Just bought a filter. Waiting for the mechanic to look at me strange when I say just the filter. Lol.

 

[hardcore302]

Hardcore, C502 is correct. I have this same engine in my Encore. Another thing that you might try is to add some Liqui Moly hydraulic lifter additive to engine after you sort / confirm the oil filter type. These engines are turbo charged and thus create a fair amount of combustion soot that travels through the engine. It is important to make sure that you keep the engine clean with regular changes as much as possible.

Just bought a 2 pack. Gotta make this car last another 2 years.