I am not sure if this just started or was existing, I went to sea foam my vacuum line and started the engine with the hood up and noticed a loud almost rattle that lasted about 10 seconds or so upon start up. It happens cold, warm or hot start up( I tried all 3). It almost sounds as if there is no oil in the top end, like a lifter. I read about the timing chain tensioner but It doesnt seem to be coming from there. I stuck my ear to a screwdriver to a bunch of different places and couldnt pinpoint it. It sounds like the DI only louder. Then just goes away. Does anyone have any suggestions? Its making me crazy. Thanks

 

Ots probably just a loud lifter on startup. Possible slow to lump up with oil and makes some noise untill it does. I had an 03 tiburon back in the day with the 2.7v6 that did that also. It was annoying for sure. But it never hurt it at all.

 

I am pretty sure the LNF doesn't have lifters. Although the sound does replicate a lifter starving for oil. There is no reason why the engine should have to pump up every time I start it which is why I am concerned. I dont know enough about these engines to just start tearing into it. I may just pull the valve cover and take a look. Looking on the bright side, the sea foam worked great. Car seems to idle a bit smoother. What a smoke show it made

 

Gen 4 Lifters: Closer Look - Cobalt SS Network Hmmm pretty sure we have lifters.

 

I definitely stand corrected Thank you, I did a search for a cutaway and didnt see them so I assumed it didnt. 1st mistake never assume. I do see where they are now. Which is why I can definitely say I dont know enough about these engines. I have been trying to read as much as I can to get familiar. So do you have any suggestions as to what would make the lifters bleed down every time the engine is turned off? Thanks

 

Ok, I think the oil filter is in upside down. Which way is the tip with the o ring supposed to go. up in the cap or down in the block? Mine the tip is snapped in the cap. Is this correct? Can this be why the oil is bleeding down from the head? Also can any damage occur from this?

 

The oil filter snaps into the cap. The is only one way it fits. The nipple faces down and the spline thingys snap into the cap.

I don't know how else to describe it.

Mother of god the first youtube video I searched the guy installed it wrong. Damn it all to hell. Second one had a shitty filter.

Third time is the charm

 

Ok, never mind that is how it is. Im grabbing at straws here and second guessing everything now. The filter is a bosch. Is this any good. Should get an AC delco and change it? I can see lifters starving for oil every start up being a good thing. Eventually something is going to wear. It not just for a few seconds either. It like 10-20 seconds of noise. If it even is the lifters.

 

Probably should work on getting us a video. Could be timing chain related as well.

 

Ok. It won't be for day or two. I really appreciate the help. For some reason I am afraid of everything in this motor. I'm so unfamiliar with it and don't know it's reliability or limitations or it's normal running attitude. If it was a small block I wouldn't even question it. I feel like a dinosaur, but I absolutely love the car. Thanks again