This noise is a known issue on Hyundai 3.3 and 3.5 liter V6 engines, multiple models and years. It is a loud clatter on starting the engine that lasts for several seconds, and then quiets down. Have read multiple theories online as to cause. One is that the oil drains out of the vertically-mounted filter, causing a lack of oil to the top of the engine during startup. Another is that it is caused by the camshaft "phaser" (basically a sophisticated timing chain sprocket attached to the camshafts) on the intake sides. Another is a defective/worn timing chain tensioner.
The dealer says there is a Bulletin from Hyundai that the first step in addressing the noise should be making sure that only a Hyundai oil filter is used on the car, and using 5W-20 oil instead of the 5W-30 recommended in the owner's manual. That did not solve the noise issue with my car. The dealer said that the noise in my car is not sufficiently loud enough to justify replacing the timing chain tensioner. Haven't read any reports of significant failure online due to this issue, but it doesn't sound good.
Guess if I wanted an engine that doesn't sound like a rattling piece of junk, I shouldn't have purchased a Hyundai. The fact that they had to recall 1.7 million 2.0L and 2.4L engines due to an entirely preventable manufacturing defect says volumes about their quality control.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This noise is a known issue on Hyundai 3.3 and 3.5 liter V6 engines, multiple models and years. It is a loud clatter on starting the engine that lasts for several seconds, and then quiets down. Have read multiple theories online as to cause. One is that the oil drains out of the vertically-mounted filter, causing a lack of oil to the top of the engine during startup. Another is that it is caused by the camshaft "phaser" (basically a sophisticated timing chain sprocket attached to the camshafts) on the intake sides. Another is a defective/worn timing chain tensioner.
The dealer says there is a Bulletin from Hyundai that the first step in addressing the noise should be making sure that only a Hyundai oil filter is used on the car, and using 5W-20 oil instead of the 5W-30 recommended in the owner's manual. That did not solve the noise issue with my car. The dealer said that the noise in my car is not sufficiently loud enough to justify replacing the timing chain tensioner. Haven't read any reports of significant failure online due to this issue, but it doesn't sound good.
Guess if I wanted an engine that doesn't sound like a rattling piece of junk, I shouldn't have purchased a Hyundai. The fact that they had to recall 1.7 million 2.0L and 2.4L engines due to an entirely preventable manufacturing defect says volumes about their quality control.
- Dave T., Scottsdale, US