Check oil pressure

Q1:  My 2004 Kelisa is a manual 989cc and has clocked 140,000km.

It recently developed a rattling noise during cold start (or after 6-7 hours of rest).

The noise seems to be coming from the valve train, and goes away after the engine has warmed up. I asked a mechanic about it and he said it’s because the lubricant is not fully pump up to the valve train when the engine starts.

But he says that’s normal and no fix is required.

I want to get rid of the problem as I think it would damage the valve train in the long run. Is it because the lubricant (TOTAL QUARTZ 5000 SM 10W30) is too "thin" for the engine? Or something has broken in the engine?

Worried Kelisa Owner
Klang

As your car has run 140,000km, we need to factor in the wear and tear.

Have you check the oil pressure? How about the operation of the oil indicator light?

Does it light as you switch on the ignition switch?

If so, how long does it stays ‘ON’ as engine starts running? (The check light oil indicator should go ‘OFF’ when the engine starts running).

Is the rattling sound gone at this stage? If these symptoms show up, it means the lubrication system needs servicing.

Here are some tips to prolong engine lifespan:

> Use engine oil according to manufacturer’s specifications. We recommend you use semi or fully synthetic type at this stage for your engine.

> You may try to use oil additives because some of them can improve lubrication function and operation

> Take your car to the nearest service centre to check on the oil pump’s operation. Check the oil filter and replace engine oil if necessary.

> Check valve train regularly and adjust the valve clearance according to manufacturer’s specifications if needed



Q2: Does a full tank of fuel add more load to the engine and somehow cause the car to vibrate?
 
Curious Driver
Kuala Lumpur

Yes but this load is already accounted for in the design, therefore it shouldn’t be the cause.

Check the fuel tank breather tubes and return line. Fix them if they are faulty and this should solve your trouble.

Ask your technician to check the idle control system to see if there are any clogs or it needs to be adjusted.



Q3: My car is a 1997 Honda Civic.  I was travelling from JB to Kuantan recently.

The next morning, I found oil was mixed with water. 

For the record, at all times, the car was running fine.  The workshop advised me to change the engine because one of the screws was loose and unfixable.

However, a few kilometres after driving the car from the workshop, it broke down and could not be started. 

The workshop charged me for a new distributor and the towing charge, which I paid under protest. 

Did the engine swap mess up the distributor?

Ayie
Johor Baru

Engine oil contaminated by water is a sign of internal leakage which must be addressed immediately. Another common cause is blown cylinder head gasket, if there is no sign of any engine oil leakage.

Your technician was right in telling you to change loose or broken components of the engine to prevent further damage.