Your Chevy should have a steady sound, or hum, that indicates that all the parts within the engine are working properly. If you begin to hear knocking, ticking, or rattling noises, then you can bet something is wrong with the engine. Failure to pay attention to these sounds may cause damage that can be expensive to repair, or even a total failure of the engine. Knowing what these noises signify and how they can be remedied will go a long way in preventing unnecessary expenses and loss of time.
Why Is Your Chevy’s Engine Making Unusual Noises
- Knocking or Pinging Sounds: A knocking or pinging sound coming from the engine, particularly when accelerating, could be a sign of something wrong with the car. This noise is mostly caused by the use of low quality fuel, though worn-out spark plugs may also be the cause of the problem, as they can cause misfires.
- Ticking or Clicking Noise: A light tapping or clicking noise, which increases with the engine’s RPM, may indicate several things. One of the most common reasons is low engine oil, since that hampers movements by not allowing these parts to be lubricated. Another source of this sound can be worn-out valve lifters, which may become clogged or cease to adjust as they should.
- Rattling or Clunking Sound: If you hear a metallic kind of noise coming from the engine or from under the car, then it is usually an indication that something is wrong. The most common cause is a bad or worn-out engine mount causing the engine to shift and vibrate. A timing chain that is worn out can also make a rattling noise, which is most noticeable when the engine is running idle.
- Hissing or Whistling Noise: If a vacuum hose or intake gasket is damaged and has a hole, then there will be a whistling sound that increases as the engine runs.
Ways You Can Address Unpleasant Noises From Your Chevy’s Engine
- Change the Engine Oil: If you think that your Chevy’s noisy engine is a result of low or dirty oil, the first thing that you should do is to check the oil level and condition. A low oil level means you need to top it up with the recommended type of oil as advised by the manufacturer. If the oil is dark, thick, and has turned into a sludge, it means it is high time to change the oil. Oil changes are important for avoiding wear and tear of the various parts of the engine that end up leading to unpleasant noises.
- Replace the Timing Chain: There are instances when the noise is coming from a timing chain that is worn out or loose and a mechanic should check for this. Changing the timing chain before it completely wears down will help avoid other problems like bent valves or a broken engine.
- Solving Valvetrain Problems: For ticking noises originating from the valvetrain, you may require replacement of worn out lifters or flushing out of sludge. Sometimes using high-quality oil and additives may help minimize ticking noise by removing deposits from the engine.
- Fix Rod Knock Issues: If your engine has a rod knock, it might be because the bearings are worn out. This is a problem that cannot be solved by anyone other than a professional mechanic. The engine may require a rebuild or a replacement of the bearings to avoid further damage.
- Address Exhaust Leak: If the noise is due to an exhaust leak, then the part of the exhaust that is leaking will need to be fixed. This could entail sealing of certain areas, replacement of gaskets, or even replacement of a portion of the exhaust pipe.
Let Us Help You Address The Unusual Noises Coming From Chevy’s Engine
At Cars and Trucks Engines 4 Less, our main services include engine rebuilding and replacement for Chevy and other trucks and cars. We are privileged to have a team of certified ASE technicians with over 10 years of experience in fixing issues related to the engine. Whether you require a small repair or an engine overhaul, we will repair your Chevy and have it running like new again.
Our Hialeah Gardens, FL facility has a modern engine machine shop that enables us to restore the engines to factory specifications. We also offer delivery of remanufactured engines to other parts of the country. If your engine noise is an indication of something more serious, we have replacement engines that will enable you to get back on the road within the shortest time possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us or come to our shop for an expert assessment.
* Chevrolet Colorado image credit goes to: Different_Brian.
