Grinding sound on startup?

GERAGHTY

MEMBER
2011 HYUNDAI GENESIS
3.6L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
97,000 MILES

The first time each day I start the engine, there is a grinding sound for about 3 seconds. Then it goes away and does not recur on subsequent startups the same day.

The Hyundai dealer tells me he is certain it is the timing chain, which needs to be replaced. A non-dealership mechanic says in his 30 years of car maintenance he has never seen a timing chain fail. He believes the cause of the grinding sound is the oil draining from the engine compartment overnight. The sound goes away as oil flows back into the engine. This mechanic does not advise making any repairs.

A friend tells me the 3.6-liter Genesis motor in my car is a zero-clearance engine and if there is a failure (tooth slippage or breakage) it is catastrophic (valves hit pistons).

Can you shed any light on this situation? Should I replace the timing chain? Or should I continue to drive the car as it is and monitor the problem?

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,732 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that it is an interference engine is correct. If the timing jumps, it will cause internal damage. To make a determination, I would have to hear it. Is it possible for you to record the noise and upload it for me to hear?

Also, not always but most times, a timing chain will last the life of the engine, so the one mechanic isn't wrong. However, anything is possible. There are other things that can cause noise such as the variable valve timing solenoid, timing chain tensioner, even a starter motor can stick a bit the first time.

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, May 12th, 2024 AT 6:56 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. We need to hear the noise, so we know which direction to go to help you fix the car. It takes time to upload so please be patient.

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Sunday, May 12th, 2024 AT 7:18 PM

GERAGHTY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for your responses. Here is an audio file of the engine starting. The engine starts, and the grinding sound begins, at second 10 in the attached file, and continues for a few seconds. I hope this helps.

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Monday, May 13th, 2024 AT 8:43 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Yes, it does sound like one of the timing chain guides is broken or a tensioner is weak, you might want to try a bottle of Lucas engine oil treatment or change the oil to the next heavier weight. Change the oil filter as well, here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

Here are the instructions on how to change the engine oil and filter for your car. If this does not help the front of the engine will need to be taken apart and the timing set replaced. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Monday, May 13th, 2024 AT 10:20 AM

GERAGHTY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you. A friend suggested first changing the starter motor, to eliminate it as a possible source of the grinding sound. If the sound persists, use the Lucas treatment and upgrade the oil viscosity. Does this seem like a reasonable approach?

Grinding sound on startup?

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