Customers Knock GM on Noisy Engines

Detroit Free Press ^ | November 14, 2003 | Jocelyn Parker

[Darnright]

>I'm curious whether any FReepers have had this specific engine knock experience & how it was dealt with by GM.

Our experience was not with a Chebby, but with a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder which developed a pinging or knocking sound at 43,000 miles.

The Nissan dealer was great. A couple of small parts had come loose, and had destroyed one cylinder. Nissan paid for a new engine and we were not out one penny. Thank heavens for extended warranties, as we had purchased this vehicle used.

The rice burner runs great, now.

[Mannaggia l'America]

Great... A few days ago I was just thinking that my 2002 Silverado was knocking an awful lot - I was going to fill it with a tank of premium to see if that did anything.

Still, I wouldn't have a problem taking it on a long trip. And I haven't noticed it being abnormally loud.

[Final Authority]

There should be very little carbon build-up on the pistons near the rings. The cylinder wall clearance has been established for decades and always worked before. I wonder if the piston design is different to give slightly better gas mileage? If the piston is slapping it is wearing out. There is little oil lubrication near the top of the piston.

BTW, I saw an advertisement for a new GM car, it is the Malibu MXX I think. Looks like a remake of the Shitation (Citation) hatchback. Doesn't GM ever learn?

[mewzilla]

I know they've fixed it, but I wonder if this was a design or a manufacturing flaw? Or both?

[gathersnomoss]

"Some experts say the knocking, caused by contact between the engine's pistons and cylinders, may be damaging in the long run."

So they think it "may" do damage. Hmmmm.

[mewzilla]

These engines have variable valve timing?

[gathersnomoss]

Good luck with the paint, pal.

[billbears]

Anything else or just cat-backs? Personally for me, Flowmaster's have a much warmer sound.

[BMiles2112]

Not sure, but I would guess a mfg flaw, because I know three other Cavalier owners with the same motor, and none have the problem. Just a guess.

[DainBramage]

This isn't your typical ping ping ping, this is bang bang bang like something is caught in the fan.

[Wombat101]

Same thing with my old 86' Chevette (1.6, 90 hp, mind you) that we still use as the "shopping car" because of the hatchback (you'd be surprised how much room is back there with the seats down. In fact, I think we produced a son back there once...lol). At last count, it had 113,000 miles on it. As for oil, I once went almost two years without an oil change on this car when I switched to synthetic oil (Mobil 1, if I recall).

Every vehicle I've ever owned have been Chevys (82 Monte Carlo, 86 Chevette, 92 Cavalier and now my 2K S10) and one thing I can tell ya --- they have the most reliable engines ever invented, no matter how hard you abuse them. In fact, Chevy almost brags that the damn body will rust away before the engine fails, and it seems true to me.

P.S. Try some Marvel Mystery Oil and watch that knock go away.

[Wombat101]

Same thing with my old 86' Chevette (1.6, 90 hp, mind you) that we still use as the "shopping car" because of the hatchback (you'd be surprised how much room is back there with the seats down. In fact, I think we produced a son back there once...lol). At last count, it had 113,000 miles on it. As for oil, I once went almost two years without an oil change on this car when I switched to synthetic oil (Mobil 1, if I recall).

Every vehicle I've ever owned have been Chevys (82 Monte Carlo, 86 Chevette, 92 Cavalier and now my 2K S10) and one thing I can tell ya --- they have the most reliable engines ever invented, no matter how hard you abuse them. In fact, Chevy almost brags that the damn body will rust away before the engine fails, and it seems true to me.

P.S. Try some Marvel Mystery Oil and watch that knock go away.

[ColdSteelTalon]

I havent had this problem with my truck. oh, but it's a dodge.

Yeah your dodge just breaks down completely and leaves the driver stranded instead. I know of not a single case of a person who owned a dodge that did not have problems.

This problem with the Vortec engine will get fixed. I own one GMS Sierra 2003 V8 5.3 liter and have had no problems with it. excellent horsepower.

When I bought my truck I decided early it was going to be Ford or GM. They have the best quality.

[Wombat101]

My apologies for the double post...

[carpio]

Ask my neighbors about my 96 F-1 camaro. LOL, they with they could hear the engine over the full exhaust

I am a cancer patient. My 32 year old daughter was born with an open spine and suffers from brain seizures. An auto enthusiast such as yourself bought the home next door to us. Our lives and our health have been destroyed by the noise. And our property value is cut in half.

You are a selfish moron and not at all amusing to intelligent folk with normal human consideration for thier neighbors.

What in the Hell are you doing on a conservative message board?

[BMiles2112]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. I've had the same luck with Chevy. I've got the Cavalier and a '93 S10. Its got over 250k, and I've never had an engine problem.

[Tallguy]

Funny, I always thought of the GM 350 Cu.In. engine as a small block engine.

[doodad]

I am a cancer patient. My 32 year old daughter was born with an open spine and suffers from brain seizures. An auto enthusiast such as yourself bought the home next door to us. Our lives and our health have been destroyed by the noise. And our property value is cut in half. You are a selfish moron and not at all amusing to intelligent folk with normal human consideration for thier neighbors. What in the Hell are you doing on a conservative message board?

First, I am sorry to hear about yours and your daughter's condition. I am aware of how loud my car is at open throttle and respectfully keep my rpms down when in the neighborhood. You still can't hear the engine over the exhaust, however, which is what this thread is about. And how does a damn car lower the property value, unless it is on blocks in the yard? Is your desire for YOUR perceived values in life any more selfish than mine? A conservative would not think so.

Oh and **** off!

[Wombat101]

Always worked for me. I learned that trick from my grandfather who was an auto mechanic since the age of 13. You should also see a bit of an increase in power and milage with the stuff too. Just put some in with your regular lube oil. You can also try it in the tranny fluid, and though I've never done it, you could also drop some in the gas tank (if you're brave enough, I certainly wasn't...lol).

[hoosierboy]

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