Noisey Ecotec questions

[rich1]

2009 HHR w/2.2L ecotec.
On startup there is a rattle/clatter noise,kinda sounds like a dry start type noise.I have tried changing the external/oil pressure contolled timing chain tensioner that these motors have and didn't help.Today i removed valve cover to check timing chain condition and everything there seems fine,including the guides and tensioners.
This startup noise happens on cold start or if its been sitting an hour or so.Seems as though the cartridge filter design alows all oil to drain back to the pan.
Currently running mobil 1 5w-30,anyone else have a 2.2 experience like this?Would switching to different brand or weight oil help anything?

 

[daves87rs]

I got a bit of that when I first ran M1 in the Cobalt a while back. Switched to PP, then to Napa syn, no noise.

On the other hand, my wife's Ecotec has been running M1 for a long time with no noise issues...

Guess it just depends...

 

[carwreck]

GM Tech bulletin #PIP4716: Sharp Engine Noise At Start Ecotec:

http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/problems-...-ecotec-190916/
_____________________________________

1999 Olds GLS

 

[rich1]

Had found that info on the TSB earlier this week.Forgot to mention that I had also tried the serpentine belt,even started car without it on to check if it was a belt issue.I have a cmp actuater solenoid on order to see if that helps.
Do any of the cartridge type filters offer any anti drain back features?Cause it kinda seems like everything drains back to the oil pan(I notice when I change filter there is no oil in houseing)and its a brief lack of oil that causes this.I think I have one of the cheaper Fram filters in there now.
I hope it isn't a cam phaser issue

 

[JTK]

I think pretty much every Ecotec I've ever heard cold-start, clattered for 2 seconds or so. I know my 2007 Cobalt 2.2L did. I've never heard of it effecting longevity.

Joel

 

[rich1]

Thanks Joel.It runs just fine,just the noise on startup worries me about the life span of the engine.Maybe I'm just overthinking things here

 

[JTK]

Rich, I even went so far as to try 5w20 oil to see if that helped the cold-start noise. If I remember right, it did reduce it some.

How do your oil filter elements look when you remove them? Mine always came out twisted looking. I was never able to determine if it was caused by tightening/loosening of the housing cover, or from the oil pressure itself. I tried several different filters as well.

Joel

 

[rich1]

If I remember correctly ,I think the filters are fine i.e not twisted.Don't know if I should try a 0w-30 for quicker flow at startup and see if that does anything to help.

 

[BigTallV]

Originally Posted By: rich1
Thanks Joel.It runs just fine,just the noise on startup worries me about the life span of the engine.Maybe I'm just overthinking things here


I've had my '05 MY Pontiac Pursuit (G5/Cobalt/Ion) with 2.2L Ecotec on a steady diet of dino and switched to synth. Observed the same startup noises with both types of oil. In winter, the noisy startup is a bit more noticeable, a quality synth may help you out there for quicker startup. My 2.2L runs 5W-30, but the manual allows for 0W-30 in cold temps. So you could run a 0W-30 in winter if you are looking for quicker start-up.

My vehicle was purchased new and we've always heard a modestly noisier start-up and goes quiet within a second or two after the oil system gets up to speed. Yes, the cartridge filter and compartment drains back by design.

After almost 7 years and over 100,000KM, we've had zero issues and my UOA's show all is in good order. If it's just a slightly noisier start and subsides within a second or two, I wouldn't lose sleep over it. If you've got serious heavy knocking... that's a different story and would have a mechanic check it out.

/BTV

 

[rich1]

i guess maybe it's just the nature of the beast with these ecotecs so to speak.All the oil drains back to the pan it seems and takes a second to get pumped back to the top i guess.
I think I'll run the Mobil 1 to its end and then switch to a Valvoline product.Have always had good luck with their oils.I have 83,000 on this engine,no leaks or oil consumption,anyone think the Maxlife Syn would be of benefit?

 

[WMSmotorhead]

I had one of these a few years ago. It did that. I considered it just nature of the beast. The rest of the car fell apart at 150K miles... but the engine still worked ok.

 

[johnachak]

That little o ring on the bottom of the filter is to prevent drainback. some aftermarkef filters have had smaller diameter o rings and have leakdown (I have read)

 

[TDOHGL01]

I know it is pretty common with cavaliers whether it's the ecotec or like what I have the 2200 SFI engine and most chevy's to make noise when you start it up even when it is not cold out either. I know that when I switched from Castrol High Mileage to Castrol Edge with Titanium 5w30 it quieted down my cold starts and engine noise but I can still hear the noise on startup, just not as loud as it use to be.

 

[Thax]

In the 2.2L ecotec I had in a Ion , Valvoline Maxlife 5w-30 along with using the ACDelco cartridge filter completely got rid of the 2.2L start up rattle. The engine had 130,000 miles on it when I switched it to this combo, still no noise at 150,000 when I split with the car.

 

[rich1]

Thanks for all they replies guys.I think I'm just gonna try not to worry about it so much and accept it as normal for this engine.I'll let this Mobil 1 run it's lifespan and then switch to Maxlife Syn w/AC Delco filter and see if that helps.Thanks again.