2009 Saturn Sky Redline Valve noise

[miken669]

Just picked up a 2009 Sky Redline Sunburst Yellow...Love everything about it except for the noise that comes from the engine at low speeds...sounds like a piece of plastic stuck into bicycle spokes...or like putting a piece of paper in a fan...I asked the service department and the guy just laughed and said right away that all 2009 Redlines sound that way..Said it was the valves making the noise at low speeds...Has anyone else experienced this noise? And/or got the same response from the service techs?

[almosta]

No, Just get with your dearler. Good luck!

[jtredline]

Yes, mine does the same exact thing. It's annoying but hopefully nothing that can cause damage to the engine. Did you visit the dealer? If so, is this normal?

[jr1]

Forget "opinions" - even dealer mechanics. Ask the dealer service manager for the Saturn service bulletin on high pressure injector noise. (While you are at it ask for a copy of ALL service bulletins on your model - just good sense peiodically for any vehicle)

The noise is due to the high pressure fuel injectors used in the direct fuel injection system. It's not valves. Ih this (RedLine only) engine the gas is injected directly into the cylinder, much like a diesel engine does, 'cept it's gas with sparks. Use Top Tier gas and throw in a can of Techron or other injector cleaner every 10 tanks or so. Also if you take her for a long trip on the freeway (100+ miles) - give her a nice blow out - you will notice it goes away for a while.

BTW: Ya don't need premium grade gas. Nothing gained there - trust me, there is a dyno shop next door to where I work...... That's a compression ratio/preignition thing only. This engine does not need it. It runs just fine on regular. If it ain't knocking/pinging ya don't need high octane gas. Save ya money for something useful or pretty - plenty of nice accessories out there.

[SoCalSkyRyde]

Don't know if anyone ever followed JR1's advice (it's been almost a year after all), but I was at my dealer today for this exact thing ~ thanx for the head's up on what to ask about! Turns out the 2007 RedLine had a Service Bulletin issued for this; it's now been updated to include the 2008 & 2009 models of the 2.0L Turbo Sky, (you're looking for document ID #2192887).

I also found out that there is an updated noise dampening Insulation Cover for the High Pressure Fuel Rail that will help reduce the noise. If your car is still under warranty, it should be covered ~ mine is! The dealer I use here in So Cal isn't sure how long it will take to get the part in, or even if they're on backorder, but it's not an emergency situation so I don't mind the wait!

Good luck to you!