Timing chain/vvt issue?

 

The cold start definitely sounded like a clattering chain but I didn't want to even think that that was possible given the low mileage.

 

Is the dipstick magnetic or became magnetized? If not, may change oil/filter and send an oil sample to Blackstone Labs to be analyzed to see what's going on. I wonder if the drain plug is magnetic?

 

Well, it's in the dealerships possession now....Dropped it off today and was advised that the heavy engine guy wouldn't be available to even look at it until a week and a half. Also said they don't know where to start because the engine isn't making any noises, currently. I obviously knew that would be a problem because regular consumers don't pay much attention to their vehicles, unfortunately. When someone like myself and I'm sure many on this site :beer: goes in for a very specific issue, it astounds the dealership....The CSA even asked me "why were you checking your oil":WTF:

 

Read this morning and did not get a chance to reply. Absolutely would have gotten it in to the dealer asap since it is still under warranty and glad to hear you got it in. Sounds screwy that they cannot even look at it for a week and a half. Did someone there at least let you show them the shavings on the stick and acknowledge there was a problem?

Some of the service writers/advisors at these places are an absolute joke. "why were you checking your oil", wow, I would likely have come unglued on the person.

Seriously think they should give you a new engine. Metal shavings on the stick, no telling where all you have damage.

Good luck and keep us posted.[/QUOTE]

You raise a good point! We did not "confirm and agree" regarding the issue and I honestly didn't think about how that may become an important piece of this! Especially given the comment of "we wouldn't know where to start". I expressed concern with the length of time before my car would be "looked at" to which the retort was "well you'll get to enjoy a brand new car during this time" ...I said yeah, "well, that might be exciting to some but actually like my car!" The CSA goes "REALLY!?" Hahahahaaha.

I will definitely keep everyone posted. Thanks for the reply!

 

16' Limited LFX - Metal Shavings on Oil Dipstick *UPDATE*

Well, I picked the Silver Bullet up last Wednesday after the dealership kept it for two weeks and as I suspected would be the case, nothing was done. The service advisor and manager (I had a meeting withe the service manager) were great as usual. They were honest in telling me that they pretty much just let it sit "out back" and started it every other day (to check for cold start noises) and checked the oil (to "duplicate" what I saw). The SM tried telling me, during our meeting, that some shavings were "normal"....I respectfully disagreed but the problem we both faced was that GM would not cover a teardown without cause (this I know to be true) and I'd end up liable for the north of $1000 bill. I chose to take the car and just go on with life. Worst case scenario, I do have an aftermarket warranty that will carry me after the end of the GM powertrain at 60,000 (currently a little over 55,000).

SN: I drove a 2019 Malibu for 2 weeks.....it was terrible, no really....a 1.5 turbo with a CVT trans...AWFUL.

 

Well, I picked the Silver Bullet up last Wednesday after the dealership kept it for two weeks and as I suspected would be the case, nothing was done. The service advisor and manager (I had a meeting withe the service manager) were great as usual. They were honest in telling me that they pretty much just let it sit "out back" and started it every other day (to check for cold start noises) and checked the oil (to "duplicate" what I saw). The SM tried telling me, during our meeting, that some shavings were "normal"....I respectfully disagreed but the problem we both faced was that GM would not cover a teardown without cause (this I know to be true) and I'd end up liable for the north of $1000 bill. I chose to take the car and just go on with life. Worst case scenario, I do have an aftermarket warranty that will carry me after the end of the GM powertrain at 60,000 (currently a little over 55,000).

SN: I drove a 2019 Malibu for 2 weeks.....it was terrible, no really....a 1.5 turbo with a CVT trans...AWFUL.

While I wish you nothing but luck - it sure sounds as though you got the “dealer brush-off”.

Metal shavings in the oil is not normal - or GM would list that information in the vehicle owner’s manual. I’m surprised the dealer did not remove the oil filter and examine the inside for additional shavings.

There is something wrong with your engine and GM / the dealer is trying to push you past the warranty period so you’ll have to deal with the aftermarket warranty company. If that company determines the dealer and GM was aware of the problem while under the GM warranty, the extended warranty company may deny your engine claim (if you have one).

 

Have to agree with the above reply, metal shavings are not normal in an engine. Would push this as hard as you can, try another dealer, call chevy's 800 customer support line before your factory powertrain warranty runs out. Make sure you keep your documentation.

 

"Parking it out back and starting it every day" sounds like they parked it out back and did zip, nada, nothing.

As soon as the twit they hired as a service writer asked why you checked your oil you should've left and found another dealership. We've been programmed to be "nice". F nice. More people need to be told to blow it out their posterior orifice.

It sure sounds like they're trying to kick the can down the road for another 5,000 miles because they don't want to deal with it.
I would check to be sure this problem was entered in the vehicle service history.
Take it to another dealership and another and another. If they all give you the brushoff escalate it to GM corporate.
Make yourself a royal pain in the posterior.

As for tearing the engine down as the first remedy to verify... My response would've been "Cut the bloody oil filter open with a pipe cutter and look inside you lazy wanker."

 

Vulcan_DI: I know it's been a while, but did you get your issue resolved?

 

I am curious too as I had a winter rattle noise that seemed to originate from the back exhaust area of my 2016 Limited LT. It happened three different times, only on days with a lot of extreme cold and/or snow. My noise would last for a full minute or so and then go away. I was thinking ice buildup somewhere on the exhaust pipe or something.