Heavier cars absorb sound better--and V-8 engines generate less noise--than four-cylinder cars. I based my answer on some advice from automotive experts. But several readers who are obviously experts in their own right pointed out that the Buick Somerset did not come with a V-8 option. Since then, I have also received a good deal of comment from current and former Camry motorists about the noise levels in their cars.
Having recently test-driven a Camry, I would agree with P. Vartabedian cannot answer mail personally but will respond in this column to automotive questions of general interest. Ralph Vartabedian is a former national correspondent at the Los Angeles Times and became a special contributor in April He joined the newspaper in and has covered many technical subjects, including aerospace, auto safety, nuclear weapons and high speed rail. He has won two Loeb awards and was a Pulitzer finalist, among many other career recognitions.
All Sections. About Us. B2B Publishing. Business Visionaries. Hot Property. Times Events. Times Store. The usual cause of this problem is cracks in the lower piston skirt. The piston skirt is the lower part of the piston which will develop cracks over time due to metal fatigue.
The noise sounds like a muffled bell sound or a hollow clatter deep in the engine and is more noticeable when the engine is cold. If the noise goes away when the engine warms up, nothing needs to be done. The clearance is reduced by the expansion of the piston skirt as the engine comes up to temperature, and in many cases the noise goes away completely.
If the noise is reduced when the engine temperature rises but does not go away, then replacing the piston itself would be the most likely remedy. Piston pin noise is similar to valve train noise. The noise is unique because you will hear a double knocking sound caused by the lack of oil and excessive clearance between the piston pin and the piston. A piston pin attaches the connecting rod to the piston.
This condition can only be remedied by replacing the piston pin bushings, possibly even the piston itself, along with solving the oil pressure or lubrication problem. Problems like this are usually a result of worn connecting rod and crankshaft bearings which reduces oil pressure. If you have this problem, it will result in major engine work in the four figure cost range.
A whining noise when an engine is running is usually an indication of a bearing that is on the verge of failure. This noise will increase as the engine RPMs increase. Remember, though, that there are multiple places in the engine where bearings are used. Thus, there are several items under the hood that can make this kind of whining sound. The water pump, air conditioner clutch bearing which will only be heard when the compressor is not engaged , fan belt idler pulleys or belt tensioner, alternator and the power steering pump — these are all possible sources for whining sounds indicating future bearing failure.
Whining from the power steering pump will get louder when turning the steering wheel from side to side and the usual cause is low power steering fluid.
Failure to repair any one of the items making a whining sound can result in a vehicle break down. Not only that, but other engine components can be damaged when parts with bearings eventually come apart.
Spend a little money now to save a lot of money later. Topics: Car Care. Posted in: Car Care. Shop Now. The Common Problem: Engine Noises When an unfamiliar noise starts coming from somewhere under the hood, people get scared. Timing Chain Noise Many of the newer engines have overhead camshafts with longer timing chains. Detonation, Pre-ignition Pinging Noise You usually hear this noise when accelerating the vehicle. Connecting Rod Noise Connecting rod noise is caused by excessive clearance between the crankshaft and the connecting rod bearing surface.
Crankshaft Bearing Noise Crankshaft bearing noise is also caused by low oil pressure which damages the bearing surfaces and could eventually damage the crankshaft itself. Piston Slap This noise is caused by excessive clearance between the piston skirt and the cylinder wall, and is usually found on high mileage vehicles.
Diesel engine problems usually happen because drivers ignore the unusual noises which can indicate problems. Some knocking noises are of no concern at all, while other noises are signs of trouble. Why is a diesel engine so noisy, you ask? Fuel is injected into compressed air inside the cylinder in which there are a lot of little parts, such as metal caps, small valves, and oil pipes, that create the noise.
The key to getting the best performance and fuel mileage from your diesel engine is clean fuel injectors that are functioning properly. Looking for quality diesel repair?
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Problem noises: Rattling.
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