About two years ago, maybe more, my VVTs started making a momentary rattle upon cold startups as they fill with oil. Frankly, I'm prepared to live with the brief noise forever, but I wonder what the future might have in store for me. I'd welcome any opinions on whether this minor issue will eventually become one that I actually have to tend to. Thanks!
-John

 

While there has been lots of discussion on VVT rattle and a few reported replaced I cannot remember any negative impact on engine performance. The issue seems to be just the wear related rattle noise. The usual repair for the rattle is moving to a higher weight oil or an oil additive like RESTORE.

How many miles? I would suggest that the VVT noise is a symptom of overall engine condition and might indicate a move to the higher mileage oils and/or higher weight.

 

I would agree with test point about switching to a heavier weight oil but, anytime we had a customer insisting they get 10W-30 conventional oil to help with the same noise, current VVT codes or some other engine noise instead of the specified 5W-30 conventional oil, they usually end up coming back with a CEL on where as they didn't have one before or they didn't get the desired results. VVT's apparently don't like thicker oil. So I personally would try some type of engine oil based cleaner. I can't comment about a VVT replacement fixing your type of noise because no one has been willing to spend the money on a replacement. I've replaced 2 VVT solenoids that that stick out of the valve cover but that's about it.

 

I have been using 10W40 for four years with no problems, but my garage never gets below 50 F in winter. I started because of a rear main leak which is now fixed, but I haven't done an oil change yet and will go back to the spec when I do.

 

Thanks, all! I did try the heavier oil with no change, so I'm content to live with it until such time........
John

 

I too have had this issue for a few years. Tried all sorts of different brands and weights of oil with no success. I've grown accustomed to it, but would be interested if anyone ever found a cure (which doesn't involve tearing about the engine).

One thing that did help was to put in a louder sports exhaust. The start up roar will help to drown out the VVT racket.

 

Love it – great example of lateral thinking! (I'm at 111,000 almost trouble-free miles.)