Chevy Impala Has Noise in Engine When Engine is Cold

Reader Question I have a 2002 chevy impala and everytime I start it for the first time of the day it makes a tack tack tack noise until I start driving. When I start the car every other time after the first time, it doesn’t make the noise anymore.

It also doesn’t make the noise while I am driving. I also noticed that it doesn’t have as much power when I drive as it used to. I just had a tune-up and the oil changed, but it is still doing it. If you could tell me what you think it could be, that would be great.
Thank you.

Hi there

I would suspect you could either have an exhaust leak in an exhaust manifold under the hood, or you could have a lifter that is sticking and causing the noise. Raise the hood when the noise is present and see if you think it is coming from under the valve cover.

If so, buy a can of Marvel Mystery Oil from your auto part store and add it to your oil. This can help “unstick” a lifter, it won’t hurt anything if it does not help the noise.

Not sure about the lack of power issue, see if you can get the noise to go away and see if the power returns.

Blessings,

Austin C. Davis