Hey folks, 2nd LT owner here and love the cars. My first was a 2008 LT with 2.2 and got 210,000 miles out of it before selling. I was lucky to have found and bought my 2007, perfect condition inside and out, 80,000 miles and almost pristine. Older couple bought and kept meticulous and it has the 2.4. My question for anyone knowledgeable about the 2.4 engine. This one is noisier, more powerful than the 2.2 engine. I hear either a ticking or a diesel sound during the first 5 minutes of it running. I know it is not the timing tensioner as I dealt with that on my first one. Is this a characteristic of these engines or what. It is very consistent on a daily basis. You can only hear it inside the car. It runs fantastic. Any input appreciated !

 

Congratulations on your purchase, my 2011 2.4 is quieter then my 2007 2.2, I recommend remove the valve cover and inspect the front timing chain guide , and look for slack in the chain.!
Its better to replace a stretched chain then a broken one! It could simply be the 2.4 VVT parts are making a different noise then your non VVT 2.2

 

For Starters did the seller give to the info/records on oil/filter changes?

It would be helpful to know what was put in and the miles between changes.

Does the ticking go away when completely warmed up?


Silverfox

 

That was the 2.2 SF , they got VVT in 2009

 

My 2008 2LT has the 2.4 VVT with 83k on it and it is always quiet. I would take Old Blue's advice and check it out just to be safe.

 

A couple of bucks and a few hours, or a new engine and a couple of weeks.

now I know some wouldn’t put any money into a 10 or 13 year old car , but these little trucklets aren’t in that category .

 

Steve....

You are right ... I was thinking it was the VVT when It was the Flex Fuel that was added.

SF

 

Ticking that goes away when warm could be sticking in the valve lift.

Noisy could be the original muffler with corroded baffles.

 

Here’s another thing to check , how old is the oil?
what oil is in the engine , 5W30 DEXOS?

 

This. It’s pretty common for high mileage cars to get a heavier weight of oil, contrary to GM specs. Not saying it’s always wrong, just saying it might be smart to try the right oil. You could even try a 0-20 or something (just for diagnosing something sticky. Don’t drive it like that.)