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manny4acura · Mar 14, 2009, 07:54 PM

I have a 2001 Chevy cavalier Ls and just recently it started to knock lightly. Ichecked and I was low on oil,about 2 quarts, I added the oil, but the knock is still there.It seems to be coming from the valve train.could I possibly have done some damage to the valves.It seems to get louder as I accelerate.Please help with some causes or advice.

maxpinck1 · Mar 14, 2009, 08:11 PM

It will probably be wise to get it checked for the knock and thee lost of oil. I don't know if you have hydraulic lifters are not, but some can be adjusted. Check with a mechanic you really trust so you can get a correct answer.

TxGreaseMonkey · Mar 14, 2009, 10:01 PM

Valves are last on the oil train and usually first to sustain damage, when there's a lubrication problem. Once you repair any damage, if any, start using 5W-30 full-synthetic engine oil (e.g. Mobil 1). It provides a substantially higher "margin of safety." Change engine oil and filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, after the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Similarly, use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in the transmission. Drop and clean the pan, change the filter, and refill with synthetic ATF every 30,000 miles. If you follow this plan, your car should last 300,000 miles or more.

Here are some additional preventive maintenance steps that might help you:

. Coolant--50/50 mixture of recommended antifreeze (likely DexCool) and distilled water. Change every 3 years.
. Brake/Clutch fluid--Valvoline Brake Fluid. Change every 2 years. I use the fool-proof Brake Bleeder Economy One-Man, Cal-Van Tools, No. 247, brake bleeder for both. It cost $2.99. It has a one-way check valve built into it.
. Spark Plugs--ACDelco only. Change platinum plugs every 50,000 miles.
. Fuel Filter--change every 30,000 miles.
. Air Filter--change every 30,000 miles.
. Develop a simple Maintenance Log--Date, Mileage, Maintenance Performed.

manny4acura · Mar 15, 2009, 10:35 AM

Your answer is very correct. I have one more question to ask of you.What are the chances the knocking might go away,if I change the oil with synthetic oil and a good filter. Can I possibly add some kind of additive.I remember my dad use to add stp oil treatment to his cars back in the day,way back.

CaptainRich · Mar 15, 2009, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by manny4acura

Your answer is very correct. I have one more question to ask of you.What are the chances the knocking might go away,if i change the oil with synthetic oil and a good filter. can i possibly add some kind of additive.I remember my dad use to add stp oil treatment to his cars back in the day,way back.

Depending on what is making the noise.
Any additive can only mask just so much and then comes the time to think about actually fixing it before it gets louder or even worse, fails completely.
At this point, it may only be a minor repair.