My HHR started making a very low knocking at 1200 miles. I know have 26000 miles and when the oil gets warm you can hear the knocking up to about 2000 rpm's. It sounds like a lifter. 2 dealers have told me that this is a normal sound from this 2.2 engine. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks Rocky

 

Welcome to a fellow owner from Missouri!

I own a 2.4 so I can't help much.

I do hafta ask though, did you wait 20,000 plus miles to get it checked, or did you just type an extra zero?

This is a great and helpful forum, if anyone else has had this issue, they'll speak up. You can also try the search function though I'd guess you get a lot of hits for gas which won't help you. Worth a try though.

 

well i have messed around with cars and motors for over 20 years and the only knocking i ever have known to be normal was from a diesel engine! i would take it to another dealer or tell the ones you talked to to show you another 2.2 that knocks like yours??? sounds real fishy to me!!!

 

I have a 2.2L and mine doesn't do that. I wouldn't walk away from the dealer that told you that...I would run as fast as I could. Definitely NOT normal for the 2.2...or any normal engine for that matter just like oldschoolfreak said.

 

If you are hearing a "clicking" sound with the hood up and your head near the engine, this is the normal sound of the fuel injectors while the engine is running.

Hope it helps,

 

GM used to call this "Piston Slap" on the Old School 2.2 that was in my 94' S-10. I know its a totally different engine, but sounds like the same problem. Fought with GM for weeks over this and finally got a new engine.

 

I hear a similar noise, but only hear it from inside the passengar cabin. I don't hear it when I have the hood up. It's even more noticeable when the transmission is in gear and I am at a stop light.

As for the piston slap comment, I had a 2001 Malibu 3.1L V6 that had piston slap to the point they had to give me a new motor. I know that sound very well and I know the sound I hear from my 2.4 is not piston slap.

 

There is a "anti-knock sensor in the system, mounted on the block, It senses knocks and retards the timing just to the point where it is not noticable. Might have the dealer look at it.
Good Luck !!
(Anyone need any ICE ? ) Got a lot to give away

 

What exactly is "Piston Slap" anyway? It sounds like something you might have on an old worn out engine.

 

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