Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Mechanical All sections

Engine Mechanical - 3.5L: NVH Chevrolet Uplander I

Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Valve Train Noise

CauseCorrection
Worn or loose rocker arms The rocker arm bearing end caps and/or needle bearings should intact within the rocker arm assembly.Replace the valve rocker arms as required.
Worn or bent pushrodsReplace the pushrods.
Stuck valves Carbon buildup on the valve stem can cause the valve not to close properly.Repair or replace as required.
Excessively worn or mis-aligned timing chainReplace the timing chain and sprockets as required.
Worn camshaft lobesReplace the camshaft and valve lifters.
Sticking liftersReplace as required.
Excessive engine oil pressurePerform an oil pressure diagnosis. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing .

Base Engine Misfire with Abnormal Valve Train Noise

Engine Noise on Start-Up, but Only Lasting a Few Seconds

CauseCorrection
Incorrect oil filter without anti-drainback featureInstall the correct oil filter.
Incorrect oil viscosityDrain the oil. Install the correct viscosity oil.
Worn crankshaft thrust bearingInspect the thrust bearing and crankshaft. Repair or replace as required.
High valve lifter leak down rateReplace the lifters as required.
Excessive rod and main bearing clearanceReplace the bearings as required.

Engine Noise on Start-Up, but Only Lasting a Few Seconds

Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

CauseCorrection
Engine oil overfull - oil aerationRemove excess oil, set to proper level.
Low oil pressurePerform an oil pressure test. Refer Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing . Repair or replace as required.
Loose and/or worn valve rocker arm attachmentsInspect the valve rocker arm stud, nut or bolt. Repair or replace as required.
Worn valve rocker armReplace the valve rocker arm.
Bent or damaged push rodInspect the following components and replace as required: The valve rocker arm The valve push rod The valve lifter
Improper lubrication to the valve rocker armsInspect the following components and repair or replace as required: The valve rocker arm The valve push rod The valve lifter The oil filter bypass valve The oil pump and pump screen The engine block oil galleries
Broken valve springReplace the valve spring.
Worn and/or damaged valve rotatorsReplace the valve rotators as required.
Worn or dirty valve liftersReplace the valve lifters.
Stretched or broken timing chain and/or damaged sprocket teethReplace the timing chain and sprockets.
Worn timing chain dampnerReplace the timing chain dampner.
Worn engine camshaft lobesInspect the engine camshaft lobes. Replace the camshaft and valve lifters as required.
Worn valve guides or valve stemsInspect the following components and repair as required: The valves The valve guides
Stuck Valves (Carbon on the valve stem or valve seat may cause the valve to stay open)Inspect the following components and repair as required: The valves The valve guides

Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

CauseCorrection
Low oil pressurePerform an oil pressure test. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing . Repair or replace damaged components as required.
Worn accessory drive components Abnormalities such as severe cracking, bumps or missing areas in the accessory drive belt and/or misalignment of system components.Inspect the accessory drive system. Repair or replace as required.
Loose or damaged crankshaft balancerInspect the crankshaft balancer. Repair or replace as required.
Detonation or spark knockVerify the correct operation of the knock sensor system. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description in Engine Controls.
Loose torque converter boltsInspect the torque converter bolts and flywheel. Repair or replace as required.
Loose or damaged flywheelRepair or replace the flywheel.
Damaged oil pan, contacting the oil pump screen An oil pan that has been damaged may improperly position the oil pump screen, preventing proper oil flow to the oil pump.Inspect the oil pan. Inspect the oil pump screen Repair or replace as required.
Oil pump screen loose, damaged or restrictedInspect the oil pump screen. Repair or replace as required.
Excessive piston-to-cylinder bore clearanceInspect the piston and cylinder bore. Repair as required.
Excessive piston pin-to-bore clearanceInspect the piston, piston pin and the connecting rod. Repair or replace as required.
Excessive connecting rod bearing clearanceInspect the following components and repair as required: The connecting rod bearings The connecting rods The crankshaft The crankshaft journals
Excessive crankshaft bearing clearanceInspect the following components and repair as required: The crankshaft bearings The crankshaft journals
Incorrect piston, piston pin and connecting rod installation Pistons must be installed with the mark or dimple on the top of the piston facing the front of the engine. Piston pins must be centered in the connecting rod pin bore.Verify the pistons, piston pins and connecting rods are installed correctly. Repair as required.

Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

Engine Noise Under Load

CauseCorrection
Low oil pressurePerform an oil pressure test. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing . Repair or replace as required.
Detonation or spark knockVerify the correct operation of the knock sensor system. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description in Engine Controls.
Loose torque converter boltsInspect the torque converter bolts and flywheel. Repair as required.
Cracked flywheel - automatic transmissionInspect the flywheel bolts and flywheel. Repair as required.
Excessive connecting rod bearing clearanceInspect the following components and repair as required: The connecting rod bearings The connecting rods The crankshaft
Excessive crankshaft bearing clearanceInspect the following components and repair as required: The crankshaft bearings The crankshaft journals The cylinder block crankshaft bearing bore

Engine Noise Under Load