AnthonyJohn

Re: 2000 Malibu, standard V-6
My dealer says that the LOUD ticking that I hear at start-up (and EXTREMELY LOUD in winter), and last for 3-4 minutes is "normal noise" and that GM has issued a bulletin saying so. My mechanic feels that it is a sign of a bigger problem that may affect the engine in the future. Can any answer this question? Thanks, AnthonyJohn

pgmalibu01

The early N-body vehicles had a TSB issued for engine noise. There were excessive clearances between the pistons and cylinders. Check with GM and the NHTSB web site and do a TSB search for this car. Good luck

dewangxp

Engine - Ticking Noise on Cold Start Up
File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 01-06-01-005
Date: January, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Cold Engine Tick Noise
(Replace Pistons)
Models:
2000-01 Buick Century
2000-01 Chevrolet Lumina, Malibu
2000-01 Pontiac Grand Prix
with 3.1L Engine (VIN J - RPO LG8)
Condition
Some customers may comment on a ticking noise (similar, but not related to valve or lifter noise) that occurs 10-15 seconds after a cold engine start. The noise will last for 1 to 2 minutes, and will fade as the engine reaches operating temperature.
Cause
The noise may be caused by excessive piston to bore clearance during cold engine operation resulting from the specific piston design used in cylinders 1 through 4.
Correction
Service pistons for cylinders 1 through 4 will now be of the same design of those used for all production 2000 and 2001 for cylinders 5 and 6, and will have polymer coated piston skirts. Pistons in cylinders 5 and 6 are not exhibiting the described noise condition.
Important : ^Note that this is a customer annoyance issue, and does not affect the durability or life of the engine.^Removal of pistons from engine cylinders 5 and 6 is NOT necessary if equipped with polymer coated pistons. It is recommended to rotate the crankshaft until the piston skirt is exposed in the lower crankcase area for inspection. Replace pistons in engine cylinder positions 5 and 6 ONLY if there is evidence of damage to the polymer coating on the piston skirt, or scoring on the cylinder wall (heavy scratches) is evident. Detailed diagnosis of cylinder wall/piston skirt wear is discussed in step 4.

AD2BU

I have a 98 Malibu LS (3.1L V6) and I recently added Lucas Oil symthetic additive to the crankcase. That quieted down the noise considerably and I think it even idles quieter. Note that Lucas Oil recommends their synthetic additive for vehicles using regular (non-synthetic) oil. Good luck.

Will Help

Also, useing a good oil filter with an anti-drainback valve helps keep dry starts to a minimum. I could tell the differance when the garage put the wrong filter on my 2002, 3.4. It rattled alot on start-up. I made them correct the problem right away. It doesn't rattle 10 seconds with the anti-drainback valve. I also use full synthetic oil ( 5W50 ) and at 197,000 miles I use less than 1/4 quart of oil between changes.

4x12

Hi Guys,

1st post here...

I also own a 2000 LS and those ticking/rattling problems ae normal on the 3.1 Malibus. Mine got so bad that the changed the engine... when they opened it up they said it was shot! I was lucky enough to have some warranty left on it so I saved about $2400.

But this car as been a non-stop issue 2 years into the purchase.

Best of luck to ya...

P.S.

The new engine is starting to act up

cbec1999

Don't say stuff to me. Show me.

cbec1999

That's probably because the engine is just like the old one. Put it IN WRITING, and send it CERTIFIED MAIL to the dealer.

When is does a meltdown, you save $2400 again, on motor #3.