Questions and Answers

Oldsmobile Silhouette Cold Noise Q. I recently bought a 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette GLS with a 3.4 liter V-6. It has just over 50,000 miles and appears to have been well taken care of. Ever since I first heard this motor running, the motor would make a clattering sound for the first two or so minutes of running, then the sound would fade to smooth motor running sounds.

It sounds like noisy lifters I've heard before. I never had this kind of sound in my old 1991 Chevy Corsica with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder. It had hydraulic lifters too. Is something wrong? I am worried that I am headed for trouble someday and would like to head this off before it's too late. Thanks for the help!

Sincerely,
Kirk

A. I've heard many of these engines run and can tell you that they all do it and GM says there is nothing to worry about. Have also gone into a few only to find no problems that are obvious. I'm pretty sure it's a slight piston slap when cold. There are newer designed pistons available for this but is it worth the expense?