2000 Malibu Problems?

[monkeycb]

2000 Chevy Malibu LS (v6) 55000 miles
Ok, I've only had this thing for like a week and a half, but recently I've heard a loud clicking sound. Kinda sounds like lifters, but louder. The sound sounds is almost definitely coming from the engine, it gets faster with a higher reving of the engine, and is not related to the transmission. I'm almost positive this isn't normal. Any ideas? I looked at the oil and coolant today to for the first time since I got it, and to me the oil looks like it is clean, but possibly overfull(?) and the coolant looks like shit, from a quick glance it looks awfully brown.
The engine isnt overheating at all and the coolant seems to be at the right level. I also am not receiving any codes.
The dealer still has to perform their "Gold Check" so if their is a problem or problems they still have to fix it, luckily. I am also having a mechaninc buddy check it out tomorrow, but any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[JellybeanG1982]

I know the exact noise your talking about. I purchased my 2001 malibu about a year and a half ago. And within the last month I started having terrible problem and hearing those same noises. I have gotten the fuel injectors cleaned and tried several store bought items for the gas and oil and it doesn't go away. I am taking mine in to the mechanic. My next thought is the lifters. I know several people who have purchased Malibus around when i did and everyone is having major problems with their cars. Most of the problems started around 30,000 miles for everyone. I hope you have a good warranty on your car, because you will get good use out of it.

[krushmoto]

I also have a 00 Malibu LS with 42K miles and the same problem. A mechanic told me that it is the lifters making the noise so I took it to Chevy.
The service tech told me that the Malibu has a tendency to make a lot of noise from the lifters for some reason. Was like that from the factory. I trust the service tech since I always tip him well and he always give me straight forward answers. At least he's honest, with me at least!!!

[crazyjbeatty]

If the coolant looks like crap--you've probably got bad intake manifold gaskets and you should NOT be driving the car. This is a common DEFECT with the malibus (sad isn't it) and the gaskets NEED to be replaced ASAP because your leaking oil into the coolant. If you continue to drive it--you will cause LOTS of damage.

The dealers charge about $750 for the intake manifold gasket job--the call it the lower plenum gasket.

Sorry but you bought a LEMON!

[DarkChobit]

i have a 2K. i haven't had any probelms with the clicking or anything. but as for the coolant, it should be a rich, orange color. but if you see any stuff that looks like brown paste in the surge tank, try to get the system flushed as soon as you can. even though the colant should be good for years, there's always a chance of dirt and dust getting into the system. i think this is what causes the build up of sluge.

DeeJay
majin-BU
N-II-Z-ist