06 Saturn Vue-warranty dilemma
 

Ok,so we bought the Vue, had the dealer replace the front brakes and RDM under their warranty. We have had the car now for 2 full days and I can hear a light tapping in the engine. As the engine is tranverse, it would be coming from the 'front" valve cover. 100,000 miles is the service interval for valve clearance inspection. This has only 57,000 miles.
(Using a screwdriver I can almost tell which valve it is.)

I changed the oil tonight, based on researching the problem on a couple of Saturn forums but the tapping continues. It's present only at idle and there are no other performance issues.

This problem would be covered under the dealer 3000 mile/3 month warranty for the drivetrain.

Would I be nuts to NOT take it back and insist they address the issue? I have never had a problem like this when we've purchased a used vehicle and the decision is weighing heavy on my mind tonight.

Thanks for any advice/opinions.

BTW-we really like the vehicle.

Take it back and see what they say.

Try and get it all in writing.

Four pieces to this puzzle.

First, it's a Honda motor. Why they don't have hydraulic self-adjusting valve clearances and a timing chain only Honda knows. BUT they are known to be out of spec at relatively low mileage. According to techs I know, they typically see the intake valves being loose and the exhaust valves tight. Only 'loose' valves will tick. Loose valves don't typically hurt the motor, but they could hurt driveability or cause a rough idle, and in rare instances can hammer valve seats. Tight exhaust valves, however, can cause BIG issues as the valve takes the heat but can't dissipate it by heat-sinking it to the head.... it doesn't 'seat' long enough (or at all) to make the heat transfer. I've seen many Hondas and Toyotas burn up motors because of this. At least Hondas are mechanically adjustable. Toyotas use non-adjustable shims that you need to buy the right shim puck.

Second, it is possible (not likely) that the noise isn't a loose valve, but a warped upper cylinder bore from poor heat transfer from a tight exhaust valve. It is an issue with 3.5L Hondas, but very rare.

Third, you can do the valve check and adjustment yourself. It takes about 4 hours. If you just do the front bank (where you said your noise is occuring) it's well under two. They should be:
Intake: 0.20 - 0.24 mm (0.008 - 0.009 in.)
Exhaust: 0.28 - 0.32 mm (0.011 - 0.013 in.)

Fourth, expect to pay a little over $500 to have it done at a dealer.

SO, seeing as you just bought this, you need to DEMAND that they look into it. I'm not Mr Doom and Gloom, it's just that the possibility of a serious or expensive issue does exist. And you don't want to assume that risk. Complain about the symptom (the noise) and let them tell you their thoughts. Maybe they'll happily pay for an adjustment. You won't know until you try.

E

Dang Eric, that some serious advice. Nice touch including the valve clearances.;)

The dealer has really been great to work with on the other issues so I feel like a heel for bringing it up but I don't want to ignore it and have huge $$$$$ problems later.

My wife is the one who will have to deal with getting the car to the dealer as it's less than 10 miles from her office.

I've already decided that it'll go back and I'll get their opinion on the issue.

You want to take it back to the dealer if for no other reason to have your concerns noted by the dealer in writing. That way if the engine noise gets worse later and it can be traced to your concerns, you might still get it covered under warranty.

You had the car 2 days and had concerns but opted to do an oil change instead of just taking it back?

FYI - unless something is broken or there is a "campaign" do not expect warranty to cover the adjustment = COD

This is exactly what the service manager told me tonight. He must justify to GM why the engine needs to come apart. Even removing a valve cover, under the warranty policies he must adhere to, has to be approved by someone higher up.

I changed the oil based on information regarding this noise on a Saturn forum. Yes, my hope was that the oil was just dirty and fresh would change the condition. I did not want to take it back.

We didn't get the car back from the other repairs until Friday so the opportunity to take it back was not present until today.


We've never had a problem with any of the vehicles we've purchased. I have confidence that the dealer will do whatever they are capable of doing.

If a valve adjustment is necessary, I have no problem paying for it.

Any experience with Chevy Equinox as this is what we now have now.

The service manager told me that GM wouldn't authorize work on the engine based on what they consider is "normal" mechanical noise. Bullcrap!!!

I finally had enough and told them we wanted our van back and they can keep the Vue with it's ticking engine. They would look into what they could about that. They would rather that we keep the Vue and they'll extend the warranty another 2 years/12,000 miles. Now they really pi$$ed me off. Do they not hear what I am saying?!!!!

My wife told them we would take a comparable vehicle off the lot but the Vue is NOT coming home with us.

She found an AWD 06 Equinox that she liked and we made the deal for that. At that point I would n't have care if she brought home a Peterbuilt. I was done with the Vue.

Yeah, I know it's the same platform but it does not have a noisy freakin' engine.

Thanks for the advice and opinions guys.