The mad clatter

Question

The mad clatter

Holden Holden Advice Holden Statesman Holden Statesman Advice Holden Statesman 2005

...

THE 5.7-litre V8 in my 5000km WK Statesman emits a dreadful clatter momentarily on start-up after being garaged overnight. It seems to me that it is starved of oil until the pump ``catches up''. Thereafter, a gentle ``clack' clack'' noise is very audible at idle speeds and it never goes away. At its six months service, the dealer said that ``on inspection there were no unusual engine noises detected''. I found this hard to believe, notwithstanding this engine's rather chequered history. I would appreciate your view on whether such noises are not uncommon with this engine before I go back to the dealer.

Answered by CarsGuide

5 May 2005

Graham Smith

ON THE basis of your description I can only conclude that your engine is a classic example of the problems that have afflicted the Gen III V8. The clatter you hear at start-up is probably piston rattle. It's also the more subdued rattle you mention at idle after start-up. You don't mention oil consumption, but some Gen III V8s use oil at a rather high rate. There is a fix. Holden replaces the pistons and rings, and it's mostly successful. Go back to your dealer and insist it be fixed.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

The mad clatter

Comments