The engine ticks (or knocks) when the car is warmed up. I just had the cap and rotor replaced, also I put on new spark plug wires. I dunno what the problem is, either the timing could be off or maybe a bad piston is the cause. The 3RD cylinder is firing on time, but 1 and 2 aren't. It shudders at a very low idle. When I have it under a load it knocks really bad. Is this normal? Also is there a tip for setting the timing for this car?
This little car is really easy too fix and cheap on gas. Can't beat 55 mpg, compare that to my Taurus. I commute back and forth to college.
Have you checked the timing belt? Driving the car with a failing timing belt causes engine damage so be carefull...
The engine knock could be caused by a broken piston skirt,and the ticking by a stuck lifter.Drop the oil pan and examine the pistons. Check the oil pan for chunks of metal.
Possible loose timing belt?
Noise under load is probably low octane fuel - mine will only use 89.
Always use thin oil in these engines, lighter than 10w30. They have a design flaw where the oil drain holes in the valve sleeves are too small, and the slow moving oil will leave the valves open, causing them to burn.
I've owned 4 of these little guys. It's a common noise as 1 cylinder is a different size than the others. This is for engine balance.
When I first bought a 1995 GEO it made a small piston noise when it was cold. As it warmed up the noise disappeared. As the car got older, when starting cold, the noise got a little noisier and lasted longer, but disappeared as it warmed up. I have about one hundred and twenty thousand km on the engine.
The timing belt, water pump and lifters have been changed. I tried using higher grade and then synthetic oil and the noise is still there until the engine is warm.
I was told it was the piston slap and that is the way the car is. The shop also told me that there is a new forged piston that would get rid of the noise.
I just do not want to see the connecting rods flying out the side of the block if I do nothing. Is the noise normal for the three cylinder engine? Is there something I should be doing to ensure the longest life for the car? I want to keep the car.
I have read the comments and they are very helpful. What grade of oil would be recommended to be used in the car. Mine is the 4 cyl. 1.3l, LSi. At this time I have to change lifters, timing belt.
Looking forward to helpful hints.
Gilberto Jr.
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