Knocking sound

Tiny
XJETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SATURN VUE
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 184,400 MILES
The engine makes an obvious tapping/knocking like sound. It's hard to tell where it's coming from. The top engine has noisy valve train but can be heard well throughout engine. Easier to hear at bottom engine but unsure if that's the location since the sound travels. The sound is loudest when idling or car is at very low rpm's. Doesn't matter what gear. Once the car starts moving, the noise isn't really audible but gets loud as soon as car stops. It does burn oil a little sometimes but I have been making sure it doesn't get too low. Engine light is on for catalytic converter and EVAP leaks. Also loss of power and transmission shifts noticeably. Not sure if it's all related. But the engine noise concerns me. It is a constant metallic ticking. When revving the engine, the noise will become drowned out and quieter but the tapping gets faster. Sometimes won't be heard too loud right at start up if cold. Oil pressure light will always come on for about twenty seconds when car is first on but stays off after. Could it be upper engine noise such as lifters or rocker arms or a dreadful rod knock?
Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 1:16 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
XJETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The video is dark but in the beginning I am at the top of the engine moving the phone around.(Noisy valve train makes it hard to hear) When the car parking lights show, I move the phone to the bottom engine by oil pan, I had a small screwdriver against my phone to the oil pan. I go back to the top engine and do the same thing with screwdriver.
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Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Sorry but the video did not upload. Can you try to upload the video again? We'll be happy to help. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
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Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 1:36 PM
Tiny
XJETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, I tried again.
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Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

It sounds like you just have a noisy Valvoline. Usually a rod knock is more of a clunking sound. If it was to be a rod knock it would get louder as the engine rpm's went up. I've attached a picture below of the valve lash specifications if you decide to get the valves adjusted to get rid of the noise. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
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Friday, January 4th, 2019 AT 8:22 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,345 POSTS
I would try to change the oil to a 10/40 weight oil. Use Valvoline. Here is a guide to help walk you through:

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

Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, January 5th, 2019 AT 11:24 AM

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