1998 Hyundai Accent There is a piece of metal loose in the

LORLEANS

MEMBER
1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT

Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Hyundai Accent Automatic 64000 miles

Hello,

I just bought this car that had been sitting for a year without being driven. I had my mechanic check it out, but it did not have a battery in it until today. Other than needing some TLC, it seems to be in good shape for its' age.

Anyway, I put a battery in it today, and I went to start it up, and I heard a loud ticking. Now, I figured it needs some oil, and after checking the dip stick and seeing that it was low (and yukky, but I needed to add some to take it in for an oil change), I opened the cap on the valve cover. I was surprised to see a curved piece of loose metal inside! It is kind of the shape of an orange peel, only thinner. Can anyone tell me what this might be? Did something break off inside, or did someone maybe drop something in it?

I'm afraid to drive it until I know what it is.

3 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

HI there this may be part of the oil baffle in the rocker cover, take off the rocker cover and look at the under side check the baffle is not fractured.
Mark (mhpautos)

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Monday, December 14th, 2009 AT 1:57 AM

LORLEANS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for the quick response, Mark. I have to ask, though, if this might get caught in something and cause the engine to lock up? I have someone coming by tomorrow to look at it, but can I drive it until then? If it is the baffle, what harm is being done to the engine with it being broken? Is the oil being misdirected into another area? How much (ballpark) should the repair cost? Thanks for your help.