Ticking on start up

Tiny
RPJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET AVEO
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
Hello, my car sometimes has a ticking sound from the engine after starting. It goes away after a few minutes. The car is parked on an incline which is the way the street is. This does not happen on level ground. Oil level is fine. Any thoughts? Thanks, Roosevelt.
Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 9:28 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hello RPJ,

This is Tom, the tick symptom you're describing sounds like the valve train isn't getting oil on it until the oil pressure is built back up. The incline probably is allowing oil to drain off of it that when its on level ground it isn't all the way draining down. Over all its a symptom of poor oil circulation, low oil level, a sticky valve or the wrong weight oil for the motor. Did this start with the season change are you in a hot place? How steep is the incline? You may be due for the scheduled oil change. I would start there, Double checking the fluid level making sure you are on level ground when doing it is a good idea. It is the most common cause for a tick that goes away soon after start. Your not getting any dash lights on?
Let me know,
Tom
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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Hello, thanks for the reply. During the first start up the oil light is the last to go off, it stays on for just half a second or so. It has been very hot and humid here lately (heat wave going on, Baltimore area). I am due for an oil change in less than 100 miles. And again when starting the vehicle on level ground this does not happen. I did not notice this in the winter. Thanks for your reply, Roosevelt.
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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Also, 5W30 Synthetic oil is used for this car, should a heavier weight be used since it has 136,000 miles on it? Thanks.
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 10:15 PM
Tiny
4DRTOM
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  • 467 POSTS
Hi RPJ,

Yes, get the oil change per your schedule, 100 miles early is fine. Stay away from 5w anything until winter, in the hot whether the thinner the oil is the more it will drain off the valve train when its off and cooling down. In my opinion 5w-30 in super hot areas is too thin and what you're seeing is exactly what would happen in the beginning, then in time internal damage will start occurring from that initial 10 seconds of running before the oil pressure builds and fills the upper engine again. Your engine might like a 10w-40 in the hot seasons then when it becomes cold for winter if you feel the starter is working too hard in the cold switch back to the 5w30 oil.
Keep us posted.
Tom
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:01 PM
Tiny
RPJ
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  • 75 POSTS
I'll do that. Thanks for your help!
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Monday, July 13th, 2020 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
4DRTOM
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  • 467 POSTS
Sure, thing my friend. Keep us posted we always like to know how things work out.
Tom
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 10:23 PM
Tiny
RPJ
  • MEMBER
  • 75 POSTS
Hello 4DRTOM, just to let you know, oil has been changed on the Aveo and all is doing fine. Thanks again for your help! Roosevelt.
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2020 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hi Roosevelt,

Great I'm glad to hear, it's our pleasure to help out. Keeping people on the road safe and sound is our goal. Anytime you need any assistance come on back, that's what we are here for.
Enjoy your evening,
Tom
2CarPros tell a friend:)
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2020 AT 9:54 PM

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