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Engine Mechanical - 2.0L: NVH Pontiac Solstice 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.
Stuck valves Carbon buildup on the valve stem can cause the valve to not 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 lash adjusters.
Sticking liftersReplace as required.

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.
High valve lash adjuster leak down rateReplace the lash adjusters as required.
Worn crankshaft thrust bearingInspect the thrust bearing and crankshaft. Repair or replace as required.
Damaged or faulty oil filter by-pass valveInspect the oil filter by-pass valve for proper operation. Repair or replace as required.

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

Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

CauseCorrection
Low oil pressurePerform an oil pressure test. Refer to 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.
Improper lubrication to the valve rocker armsInspect the following components and repair or replace, as required: The valve rocker arm 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 or dirty valve liftersReplace the valve lifters.
Stretched or broken timing chain and/or damaged sprocket teethReplace the timing chain and sprockets.
Worn, damaged, or faulty timing chain tensionersReplace the timing chain tensioners.
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 componentsInspect 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 ignition system. Refer to Symptoms - 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 ignition. Refer to Symptoms - 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

Turbocharger Whine Noise

ConditionAction
Some whine noise is normal. Compare to a known good vehicle.
Worn turbocharger bearingsVisually inspect for evidence of compressor wheel to housing contact. Inspect for worn or damaged turbocharger bearings. Inspect for end play causing compressor wheel to housing contact.

Turbocharger Whine Noise

Turbocharger Hissing Noise

ConditionAction
Air inlet leaks or obstructionsInspect for leaks or obstructions in the turbocharger inlet.
Leaking or restricted exhaust systemInspect for a leak in the exhaust system. Inspect for a restricted exhaust system.
Intake system leaks or obstructionsInspect for leaks. Inspect for obstructions.

Turbocharger Hissing Noise