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Engine noise after having the oil changed and the valve cover gasket replaced?

Tiny
RPJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
Hello,

After an oil change and valve cover gasket change, started making loud noises from under the valve cover and barely goes 30 MPH now. Is this the end of this car?

Thanks, Roosevelt.
Friday, September 22nd, 2023 AT 6:42 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

If the noise started after replacing the valve cover gasket, chances are something happened when putting it together. How would you best describe the noise you are hearing? Also, is it possible for you to record the noise and upload it for me to hear?

Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you are hearing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, September 22nd, 2023 AT 11:10 PM
Tiny
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Hello Joe,

Thanks for your reply. I can record the noise and send it to you. It is incredibly loud, and my oil light is on the dash.

I will get back to you.

Thanks, Roosevelt.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 5:17 AM
Tiny
RPJ
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  • 75 POSTS
Hello Joe,

I have attached a video of the vehicle running with the noise from the valve cover. I appreciate your help.

Roosevelt.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 5:53 AM
Tiny
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Also, is it okay to drive on short trips, or hold off on that?

Thanks.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 5:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If the oil light is on, don't drive it. Listening to the video, it sounds like the top end (cams/lifters) is getting little to no oil.

What brand of oil filter was used? What weight oil was used?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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Hello, 5W30 Synthetic was put in the vehicle and a NAPA oil filter.

Thanks.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The weight is correct, and their filters are usually fine. Something is causing it. I would recommend removing the valve cover to see if anything was damaged or something is preventing the flow of oil.

Listening to it in the video likely doesn't do the noise justice. To me, it sounds like a lifter issue. But that shouldn't happen all at once.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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  • 75 POSTS
Thank you. The car was serviced at my local repair shop last Wednesday (9/20), the next day on the way home is when the noise started. I will take it back on Monday. I just hope the engine doesn't have permanent damage.

I will let you know and thank you very much for your assistance.

Roosevelt.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

That sounds like a plan. Take care and I look forward to hearing from you.

Joe
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 10:22 PM
Tiny
RPJ
  • MEMBER
  • 75 POSTS
Hello Joe,

My mechanic confirmed the lifter noise from the engine. Added Lucas Oil treatment and it has significantly quieted down. Oil light flashes now and then, but it rides much better. I wonder if lifter replacement is a good idea for this vehicle.

Just wanted to let you know, I appreciate all your help.

Is there a place to make a donation?

Thanks, Roosevelt.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I don't like the idea of the oil light coming on. When does it happen? For example, does it only happen at idle?

As far as a donation, this is a free service. I'm happy to help when I can. LOL If you want to make any donation, you can through the following link. But, although it is truly appreciated, please don't feel obligated. We are all going through tough times and understand.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-help-others-get-back-on-the-road

Take care of yourself and let me know if anything changes or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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Hello,

The light flashes from time to time (never a good thing). Upon startup, oil light is on for a few seconds then goes out. At high speeds, not on at all.

I have a good relationship with this repair shop, I just hope no mistakes were made when replacing the valve cover gasket.

Thanks Joe,

Roosevelt.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 3:48 AM
Tiny
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It doesn't make sense that this started after the work was done. (Valve cover gasket). I'm wondering if the oil returns in the cylinder head are being blocked and causing the oil to slowly return to the oil pan. However, I would think that would cause the light to turn on when the engine is running at high speeds. Also, just out of curiosity, have you checked to make sure there are no leaks at the oil pressure switch?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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  • 75 POSTS
Hello,

I have not checked the oil pressure switch; I'd have to find out where it is. I would think that the mechanic would have looked there since there was oil around the valve cover.

But in any case, the lifters were making quite a bit of noise, but it has quieted down. Also, there are no leaks anywhere under the vehicle. Would changing the oil pressure switch/sender do anything about that? In any case, the sender is a low-price fix for the light coming on.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks Joe.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
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I mention that because they can develop a leak that will actually come through the electrical connector. That causes a pressure loss at the sensor itself and can be enough to turn the light on when you are at low RPMs.

Interestingly, I checked for the sensor location and found a service bulletin related to what you are experiencing. The recommendation is to replace the sensor/switch.

I attached the bulletin below for you to review. The location is described in the bulletin.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: They recommend testing pressure. I'm suggesting a replacement of the sensor. It is inexpensive and easy to replace. It is worth a try on this one.
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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Hello,

Thanks for the information. The oil light came on when driving home and stayed on. Noise from engine again. I spoke to my mechanic and he will take a look again on Friday. I suggested to him what you sent me and he has agreed to check it out. Something is causing the oil to not flow as you stated.

The mechanic did say he did not thoroughly check the car when I took it back with the engine noise after the valve cover gasket replacement (yes, he said that). Hopefully they can find something, and I will let you know what happens.

Thanks,

Roosevelt.
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 6:06 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thank you for the update. I'm impressed that he said that. Actually, it would make me trust him more. LOL

Regardless, let me know. I'm really interested in knowing what is found.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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Hello Joe,

Well, took the vehicle back, the mechanic checked the oil pressure sending unit, found lots of sludge on the unit and in the oil pan (no surprise at 164K). Changed the switch/sender removed and replaced the oil pan gasket and did a through cleaning from the oil pump pick up.

The result, a much smoother and quieter engine (like it was before), no oil light on, and generally 100 times better than it has been. Hopefully it stays that way for a while.

Thank you very much for your assistance, I will be donating to the Go Fund Me account here.

I really, really appreciate your help.

Roosevelt.
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know it has been resolved. It sounds like it is back to normal, so I expect another 100,000 miles. LOL

As far as the donation is concerned, please understand it isn't required. It is appreciated, but not required. LOL

Regardless, thanks again for letting me know and please remember, you are always welcome here.

Take good care of yourself.

Joe
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Friday, September 29th, 2023 AT 10:13 PM

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