Engine chatter

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RedRocket
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:33 am

Engine chatter

Post by RedRocket »

We have a 2004 vibe,and sometimes when you start it up,the top part of the engine chatters for a split second like there is no oil getting to it,or it has a weak oil pump or something..It doesnt' do this everytime,just every now and then..Soundsl ike the valves or something..Any idea what could cause this?
2004 base Vibe- Automatic
modieselguy
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 11:57 am

Re: Engine chatter (RedRocket)

Post by modieselguy »

When the engine starts cold it only takes a split second for oil to reach the valve-train, under normal conditions. You will hear a little chatter within the warm-up process while the oil is coating all surfaces in the head.
RedRocket
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:33 am

Re: Engine chatter (modieselguy)

Post by RedRocket »

It doesn't do it everytime..It usually only does it the first time you start it for the day..But yesterday it did it after only sitting for about 5 hours. It doesn't keep going,the chatter usually stops in a matter of 1 sec or 2.
2004 base Vibe- Automatic
modieselguy
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 11:57 am

Post by modieselguy »

I would like to say its "normal conditions" but I guess you just never know. I have a 2003 AWD and in the mornings and cold days after sitting at work for 9 hours I hear a periodic chatter. There are a lot of factors involved with valve chatter, especially if maintenance (e.g. regular oil changes) have not been followed or overlooked for an extended time.
Old Tele man
Posts: 668
Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 6:15 am

Post by Old Tele man »

...that's pretty much "normal" with today's engines that use very thin oil, ie" 0W20, 5W/30, etc....the thinner oil "runs down" easier once the engine has stopped and sat for awhile, which allows the pistons to "slap" the cylinder walls slightly upon initial startup...probably the sound you hear....this "slapping" is also due to the use of shorter piston 'skirts' (to reduce overall piston-to-cylinder wall friction) as opposed to older engines.
...and the Devil said: "...yes, but it's a DRY heat!"
• 2014 Prius 1.8L eCVT
• 2009 Vibe 1.8L 4A
• 2004 Vibe 1.8L 4A
star_deceiver
Posts: 5802
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: Engine chatter (RedRocket)

Post by star_deceiver »

Sounds normal. My '09 does it, as does my bike, and every othe car I've owned...
2021 Ram 1500 4x4 CCSB
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75 (traded in - 04/15/21)
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
RedRocket
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:33 am

Post by RedRocket »

Thanks for the comments guys,gives me some peace of mind..I'll let it go,and if it gets worse I'll take it in to have it checked out...We are getting ready to take it on a 6600 mile round trip in 2 weeks...So im a little nervous,but it does run like a top and has never missed a beat since we got it in March...
2004 base Vibe- Automatic
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