It makes this noise at start up. 4 cyl engine. 350000 miles. I've recently replaced the valve cover gasket, air and oil filter as well as an oil change. It started making the noise a few weeks after changing out the valve cover gaskets. Still runs fine. It just makes this noise at start up and occasionlly while driving. What is it?

 

The VVTi oil screen could need cleaning. This changes the intake cam timing. Location is the VVTi solenoid area.

Something with the engine oil filter causing lack of oil at times.

Worn cam/crank timing chain adjuster causing chain rattling. Location is under timing chain cover firewall side of engine.

Bad serpentine belt idler.

Use a section of hose as a stethoscope to narrow down the noise.

 

If you're looking at the engine from the front it sounds like the noise is coming from behind the top left of the valve cover. I'll try to use the hose method. I wondered if it might be that baffle issue on the intake manifold also.

 

The 02-04 years had an issue with the intake manifold baffle breaking loose. Toyota was suppose to have fixed it.

The was a bulletin for 2005 about a baffle on the valve cover oil port breaking off if to much pressure was put on it.

 

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Where ​​is the vvt oil screen located?

 

Does the 2AZFE have a OCV / VVT filter and where is it? (thoughts) - GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts