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

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

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 (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V12414093~C34115~R0~OD~N/0/77993956/78154624/78155098/78155100/34853741/100411974/34853743/34872024) 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 (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V12414093~C34115~R0~OD~N/0/77993956/78154624/78155098/78155100/34853741/100411974/34853743/34872034) 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 (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V12414093~C34115~R0~OD~N/0/77993956/78154624/78155098/78155100/34853741/100411974/34853743/34872034) 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 (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V12414093~C34115~R0~OD~N/0/77993956/78154624/78155098/78155100/34853741/100411974/34853743/34872030) until the piston (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V12414093~C34115~R0~OD~N/0/77993956/78154624/78155098/78155100/34853741/100411974/34853743/34872034) 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.

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.

:smile: 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.

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 :)

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.

Don't say stuff to me. Show me.

The new engine is starting to act up :)

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. :wink: