PIP4495E

Bulletin No.: PIP4495E
Published date: 10/2/2017
Preliminary Information
PIP4495E Cylinder Head Tick Noise And Or Damage - Possible Plugged Oil Feed Orifice
Models
Brand:
Model:
Model
Years:
VIN:
Engine:
from to
Transmissions:
Buick
Allure (Canada only)
2010
All
All 2.4L LAF, LUK
All
Buick
LaCrosse (including Hybrid, eAssist)
2011 2016
All
All 2.4L LAF, LEA, LUK
All
Buick
Regal (including Hybrid, eAssist)
2011 2017
All
All 2.0L LHU, 2.4L LAF, LEA, LUK
All
Buick
Verano
2012 2017
All
All 2.0L LHU, 2.4L LEA
All
Chevrolet
Captiva
2010 2017
All
All 2.4L LAF, LEA
All
Chevrolet
Cavalier
2002 2005
All
All 2.2L L61
All
Chevrolet
Cobalt (including SS)
2004 2010
All
All
Chevrolet
Equinox
2010 2017
All
All 2.4L LAF, LEA
Chevrolet
HHR (including SS)
2006 2011
All
All
Chevrolet
Impala (VIN 1 )
2014
All
All 2.4L LUK
All
Chevrolet
Malibu (including ECO, eAssist, Hybrid and 2004 Classic)
2014
All
All 2.2L L61, 2.4L LAT, LE5, LE9, LUK
All
GMC
Terrain
2010 2017
All
All 2.4L LAF, LEA
All
Oldsmobile Alero
2002 2004
All
All 2.2L L61
All
Pontiac
G5
2007 2010
All
All
Pontiac
G6
2006 2010
All
All 2.4L LAT, LE5
All
Pontiac
Grand Am
2002 2005
All
All 2.2L L61
All
Pontiac
Pursuit (Canada Only)
2005 2006
All
All 2.2L L61, 2.4L LAT, LE5
All
Pontiac
Sunfire
2002 2005
All
All 2.2L L61
All
Pontiac
Solstice (including GXP)
2006 2010
All
All 2.0 LNF, 2.4L LE5
All
Saturn
Aura (including Hybrid)
2007 2009
All
All 2.4L LAT, LE5, LE9
All
Saturn
ION (including Redline)
2003 2007
All
All
Saturn
L Series
2001 2005
All
All 2.2L L61
Saturn
SKY (including Redline)
2007 2010
All
All
Saturn
VUE (including Hybrid)
2002 2010
All
All 2.2L L61, 2.4L LAT, LE5
2.0L LNF, LSJ, 2.2L LAP, LE8 2.4L
LAT, LE5
2.0L LNF, LSJ, 2.2L LAP LE8, 2.4L
LAT, LE5
2.0L LNF, LSJ, 2.2L LAP, LE8, 2.4L
LAT, LE5
2.0L LNF, LSJ, 2.2L L61, 2.4L LAT,
LE5
2.0L LNF, LSJ, 2.2L L61, 2.4L LAT,
LE5, LE9
Supersession Statement
This PI was superseded to update model years. Please discard PIP4495D.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
Condition / Concern
Some customers may complain of a loud tick/rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions. In some cases, the noise may
have started shortly after an oil change or previous internal engine repairs. During diagnosis, the technician will find that the noise is
coming from the cylinder head area and believes that several/all of the valve lash adjusters (lifters) are making noise.
The cylinder head is equipped with oil feed orifice (2) that may become plugged with debris, such as excessive RTV/sealer or broken
down oil filter material. If this occurs, this noise may occur as a result of no/low oil pressure to the valve train.
Recommendations / Instructions
If a major valve train noise is encountered that sounds like several/all valve lash adjusters (lifters), it is suggested to compare the
lower end oil pressure to the upper end oil pressure as outlined below:
1. Check the lower end oil pressure by attaching an oil pressure gauge to the oil pressure sender port or to one of the gallery plug
ports in the engine block.
2. Check the upper end oil pressure by attaching another oil pressure gauge to one of the oil gallery plug ports on the back of the
cylinder head (1).
3. Start the engine and note the oil pressure gauge readings from both locations while at the same engine RPM and engine
temperature.
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Compare the oil pressure readings.
5.1 If the lower end oil pressure is below SI specification, this PI does not apply so normal SI diagnosis should be followed to
diagnose and repair the noise.
5.2 If the upper end oil pressure is near 0 PSI/KPA but the lower end oil pressure is within SI specification, the oil feed orifice (2) is
most likely plugged with debris. Please note that it is not uncommon for the upper end oil pressure of a normally functioning engine at
idle to measure as much 35% less than the bottom end oil pressure. This is due to the large amount of oil pressure bleed off that
normally occurs in the valve train, combined with the small size of the oil feed orifice (2).
If you suspect a plugged oil feed orifice after performing the test above, remove the cylinder head and visually inspect the oil feed
orifice (2) for debris. If debris is present, it can normally be cleaned out to repair the noise. Please note that the orifice is not available
separate from the cylinder head and cannot be inspected/cleaned without cylinder head removal.
Important: To prevent future concerns, care must be taken not to use excessive amounts of engine sealant during internal engine
repairs, use the proper oil filter that is listed in the parts catalog, and change the engine oil/filter according to the schedule in the
owner's manual.
Notice: The oil gallery plug port threads (1) on the back of the cylinder head are M12x1.75 and it is unlikely that a related oil pressure
gauge adapter will be found at a hardware or auto parts store. The 509376 Kent Moore Fitting that comes with the Engine Preluber Kit
(EN-45299/J-45299) will screw into the head and may be adapted to some oil pressure gauges. Or, there are also several online retailers
that can supply a fitting that will work as an adapter - the male end has to be M12x1.75 while the female end has to be 1/8"x27 NPTF so
a standard oil pressure gauge hose can screw into it. It has also been found that some automotive gauge companies, such as Auto
Meter, offer the necessary adapter/fitting (M12x1.75 / 1/8"x27 NPTF) for $5-$20. Some technicians have also reported success in
making a temporary fitting out of an oil pressure sender body.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
J0508
Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement
Use Published Labor Operation Time
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved
without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
Additional SI Keywords
adjuster cam camshaft follower installation lash lifter replacement valve
© 2016 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.