[Slatye]

Hi All,

First post...

I've got a 2009 Grand Vitara 2.4L which has developed a "rattle" when the engine is hot (the temperature gauge still reads normal, but it's most noticeable on hot days when I've done a lot of stop-start driving) and when it's revving over about 2500RPM. I took it to KMart MyCar Queanbeyan and they said it sounds like an exhaust problem, but (they say) the noise is actually coming from the engine (they didn't do further diagnosis) - and their suggestion is to replace the whole engine for about $7K.

Is there a mechanic in Canberra who knows the Grand Vitaras reasonably well and might be able to actually fix the problem rather than replace the whole engine?

Thanks in advance!

[llama_au]

Ouch. The 2008-2011 2.4Ls are renowned for cracking blocks. I can't suggest a Canberra mechanic as I'm in another state.

Before you go down that path, check the heat shields near the exhaust manifold. My 3.2L has a split in the heat shield and a god awful rattle as a result at certain RPM which I just ignore as I know what's causing it.

[Slatye]

Wonderful, thank you for the reply (even if it's rather distressing news). I guess I should have done more research before buying...

I haven't seen any of the other symptoms of a cracked block (losing coolant, overheating, etc) - so I'm hoping that it isn't that. I'll have a poke around the heat shields today and see what I find.

[Gwagensteve]

What does this mean?

Quote:

they said it sounds like an exhaust problem, but (they say) the noise is actually coming from the engine

Are we talking about the same they or a different they?

Other possibilities: Timing chain/tensioner, or a collapsed catalytic converter.

Noises are almost impossible to diagnose over the internet.

[bob_oz]

Hi - my GV 2.4 2011 has had a RPM rattle around there on the exhaust side that sounded terminal.
My mechanic pointed out that it's RPM vibration related, not engine load or constant like something terminal would be. Mine was a rattle under the heat shield and a loose engine mount top nut.

..and seriously F*CK Kmart/JAX/Ultratune/Bob Jane T mart auto etc etc etc - you get what you pay for, and that's not much.

I'll ask some friends in Canberra who is a good mechanic to use - I have a cracker of a mechanic in Brisbane which isn't much help to you.

[Slatye]

Gwagensteve wrote:

What does this mean?

Quote:

they said it sounds like an exhaust problem, but (they say) the noise is actually coming from the engine

Are we talking about the same they or a different they?

Sorry, I should have clarified. I took one of the guys from KMart/Mycar for a drive to show them the noise, and their opinion at that time was that it sounded like something loose on the exhaust. However, when I left the car with them for a day they decided that it was coming from the engine itself.

I had a poke around the heat shields today and couldn't find anything loose, but I have the obvious problem that the noise only occurs when it's hot and at that point I can't really stick my hands in there...

bob_oz - agreed, I went to Kmart because they happen to be very close to work, and because I don't know of anyone better. If you can suggest a mechanic who knows what they're doing, that would be fantastic.

[llama_au]

Haha yeah, mine sounds terminal too. It's not, it's just two halves of something vibrating together. It certainly announces my car's impending arrival to anyone on the side of the road if I happen to be at that specific low rpm (maybe 1/8 throttle).