noisy valvetrain at 42k miles

11762 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by DonKernz, Dec 26, 2016

fj5gtx

Discussion Starter · Dec 21, 2016

Noise has just come on. No performance issues, and can't hear it while in the car. Has to be warmed up to hear it, but its definitely there and pronounced when you are standing out side. I searched for common problem reports, didn't come back with anything. Anyone hear of that problem? I changed the oil to a different brand, to see if it'd go away... issue persists.

Guess I'll be taking it to the dealer, should be under warranty given its a 2014. I'll take a short video with the cell phone and share later.

Been running full synthetic 5w30, changing at 5k or less (mostly less).

Kind of disappointed, I buy new and take great care of the asset - mainly so I get released from repairs. Just don't have much time to deal with that. I'd try lease, but I put way too many miles on to make that work.

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Robby

· #2 · Dec 21, 2016

No....I don't recall any members actually having a valvetrain issue.
Have had several members comment on the fact the injectors are louder in cold weather (because the needed fuel mix is richer, the injector opens further)...obviously not a failure.
Have had quite a few members experience loose spark plugs.....loose plugs mimic the sound of excessive valve clearance. This is often several thousand miles after the plugs were removed for adjustment or replacement.

Although not reported (at least, I don't recall) there is always the possibility of a timing chain tensioner failure.....this also mimics a general, ratty sounding valve train. Excessive slop eventually sets a SES light though.

Please report your results once the dealer has given it a look/see.

Rob

Reactions: 4

XtremeRevolution

· #3 · Dec 21, 2016

It's more than likely not your valvetrain, but one of two things:

1. One of your spark plugs has backed out
2. The evap purge solenoid valve gets very loud with age

Reactions: 3

BradSt

· #4 · Dec 21, 2016

^^Money is on EVAP purge solenoid. Had the same issue. Unplug the wire connector from it, and it will stop, if that is the problem. If that's it, it is only $20 for a new one.

Reactions: 1

cruze01

· #5 · Dec 21, 2016

BradSt said:
^^Money is on EVAP purge solenoid. Had the same issue. Unplug the wire connector from it, and it will stop, if that is the problem. If that's it, it is only $20 for a new one.

Can someone shoot a picture of this? I'm not sure what it is..

fj5gtx

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 22, 2016

I just recorded it, you can listen here. I have no diagnostic warnings/issues. I will figure out where that evap purge solenoid is and pull the plug, probably this weekend.

https://youtu.be/xG2IyL8hLhU

DonKernz

· #7 · Dec 22, 2016

fj5gtx said:
I just recorded it, you can listen here. I have no diagnostic warnings/issues. I will figure out where that evap purge solenoid is and pull the plug, probably

Crazy. Mine makes that same sound. 2014 LT 1.4

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DonKernz

· #8 · Dec 22, 2016

DonKernz said:
fj5gtx said:

I just recorded it, you can listen here. I have no diagnostic warnings/issues. I will figure out where that evap purge solenoid is and pull the plug, probably

Crazy. Mine makes that same sound. 2014 LT 1.4

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Click to expand...

I now have 105000 miles. Been doing it for about 60000 miles. If I recorded my engine it would be identical. Pulled into my brothers house recently and he asked if I had a diesel in there. Funny.

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fj5gtx

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 22, 2016

DonKernz said:
DonKernz said:

I now have 105000 miles. Been doing it for about 60000 miles.k

Click to expand...

Why let it go out of warranty with a noise like that? I think a noise like that decreases your resale value, by about the cost of a engine replacement.

XtremeRevolution

· #10 · Dec 22, 2016

It sits on top of the intake manifold. Hard to miss it.

IndyDiesel

· #11 · Dec 22, 2016

First I listened to the sound, yikes that's awful. Why not just take it to a Chevy dealer and let them fix it under warranty? Even if it's not warranty, why risk damage to be guessing what it is? I am all for fixing myself, if my car sounded like that it would be diagnosed and fixed promptly.

DonKernz

· #12 · Dec 23, 2016

DonKernz said:
DonKernz said:

I now have 105000 miles. Been doing it for about 60000 miles. If I recorded my engine it would be identical. Pulled into my brothers house recently and he asked if I had a diesel in there. Funny.

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Click to expand...

It isn't worth the trouble. Once I find a good mechanic maybe. Some cars I drive for three years and never take to the dealer for anything. Actually all of them. I have had this Cruze to the dealer so many times just isn't worth the down time. I work 6 days a week out of town and don't have time. Engine mounts first time. Water pump second time. Steering sticking third time. PCV valve exploded, drove to the dealer, sounded like a pulley froze up. Pulled into service area smoking and forcing everyone to cover ears. Friendly service rep asked what can we can we help you with today? Seriously, I said low on gas, not sure. With all of that, I do love the car. Favorite car I have owned in a while. I get 38 on freeway and car is very quiet inside. Except air leak from driver rear door. Noticed it at 10000 miles getting loud. Was told body alignment warranty expired at 5000 miles, same thing with antenna rattling around. This summer was the best. When it gets a 100 degree outside, have to open the front door before I open the back door. Had to touch up the paints because the gap between doors closes and the two doors scrape. All of that and still love the car. Drive my 2500HD when I have to, but love the Cruze. Royal Purple and WIX filter everyone month. Lucas fuel treatment twice a week. Which is every other fill up. When it hits 200000, front yard for sale 2500 dollars takes it. And I will go get a gen2. Hope the long rant doesn't get me booted.

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fj5gtx

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 23, 2016

IndyDiesel said:
First I listened to the sound, yikes that's awful. Why not just take it to a Chevy dealer and let them fix it under warranty? Even if it's not warranty, why risk damage to be guessing what it is? I am all for fixing myself, if my car sounded like that it would be diagnosed and fixed promptly.

Not sure if you were asking me or the guy with 100+k miles... I have to wait until Monday to get in, so while I'm waiting - why not research it. When I changed the oil, I wiped the catch pan with a paper towel - nothing but oil. I'm hopeful its just that evap solenoid that two people mentioned.... and I can just fix it over the weekend and get my Monday back.

Reactions: 1

Steelmesh

· #14 · Dec 23, 2016

fj5gtx said:
I just recorded it, you can listen here. I have no diagnostic warnings/issues. I will figure out where that evap purge solenoid is and pull the plug, probably this weekend.

https://youtu.be/xG2IyL8hLhU

How close was the recording device from the engine?

Hood opened I assume?

fj5gtx

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 23, 2016

and the answer is...

Stuck my hand over it this morning, definitely my noise. Dealer said they have it in stock, checked that its covered under my 5/100 drive-line warranty, and there will be no charge - so I'll have it done on Monday.

Thanks for the pointers!

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Reactions: 1

fj5gtx

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 26, 2016

Dealer said they heard the noise, checked the operation of the valve and said it was in spec. I know I wouldn't be able to sell a car sounding like that, and I told them that - no reply. Sent me on my way.... Looks like I'll have to pop a new one in myself if I want the noise gone.

DonKernz

· #17 · Dec 26, 2016

fj5gtx said:
Dealer said they heard the noise, checked the operation of the valve and said it was in spec. I know I wouldn't be able to sell a car sounding like that, and I told them that - no reply. Sent me on my way.... Looks like I'll have to pop a new one in myself if I want the noise gone.

Thanks for the update.

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