3.8 engine noise at idle

[swltf183]

I just took delivery of a 2012 sedan. After getting it home, I notice there is a sound to the engine that seems unusual to me. I can't hear it from inside the car. It is heard best from behind and below the driver's front wheel.

It's a soft, fast, kind of flutter sound. Like a bicycle with worn baseball cards in the tires, going very fast.

It's not an alarming sound, but different.

Any insight anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DonB]

I hear it as well with mine. Sounds like muffled lifter noise.

 

[nb_mike]

My 2009 3.8 does the same. It mostly happens when under 35 or so.Goes away in a 10-15 seconds. I also have a fog cover the lower part of the windshield even in Summer.

 

[scottdk]

Research direct injection and you'll find your answer It's noisy. Doesn't matter which make vehicle either. It's explained on the Caddy forum and many others.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...ion/157846-direct-injection-engine-noise.html

 

[PMCErnie]

I also checked out the engine noise in my brand new 3.8 just yesterday. Didn't get much of an answer except "normal." Since this is my first Hyundai I am starting up slowly with them. Like most of you do, I am working my list of new car questions and problems. Some door and trunk rattles are also on my list, but these also got the "normal" reply.

 

[atc]

I have noticed a sort of rumbling sound coming from my 2011 3.8 engine when accelerating to about 30 mph then it quietens , the car has about 3000 miles on it ,before I bring it to the dealer I was wondering if anyone else has noticed the same thing? maybe its the nature of the beast?

 

[Mark_888]

The noise issue with the GDI engines (both 3.8 and 5.0) has been discussed in several other threads. As reported by others, the sound is normal and cannot be heard from inside the car.

Whatever sound the GDI makes, it is a different issue than other sounds that may occur on other engines. For example, the 2009-2011 3.8 makes some noise at startup due to the top mount oil filter, which drains when the car is shut off. The oil filter is on the bottom of the engine for the 2012 3.8.

Synthetic oil will probably help to some degree on all engines to reduce the startup and idle noise.

 

[Spike911]

My 2012 makes the same noise. almost like a leaking exhaust. Oh well. Misery love company.

 

[scottdk]

Whatever sound the GDI makes, it is a different issue than other sounds that may occur on other engines. For example, the 2009-2011 3.8 makes some noise at startup due to the top mount oil filter, which drains when the car is shut off.

I was thinking about this sound due to the top mount filter you mentioned and I remembered my wifes 3.3L Sonata has a top mounted oil filter also and it is completely silent when I start the engine. I wonder why this noise is linked to the 3.8 for 2009-2011, and not the others (that I'm aware of)?

 

[Mark_888]

I was thinking about this sound due to the top mount filter you mentioned and I remembered my wifes 3.3L Sonata has a top mounted oil filter also and it is completely silent when I start the engine. I wonder why this noise is linked to the 3.8 for 2009-2011, and not the others (that I'm aware of)?

I don't really hear anything unusual on my 2009 V6 at start up, but I do use synthetic oil. Also, I think some who claim there is start up noise on the V6 are listening to the engine outside the car, and not in the drivers seat. Or maybe listening with their windows open in an enclosed space? I don't really know since it does not bother me.

When changing my oil (and removing the filter), I have noticed that the oil seems to drain out of the oil filter and back into the crankcase when the engine is shut off, which maybe accounts for fact that the dipstick showed at least 1/2 quart high with factory fill when the engine is off on my V6 (and many others in this forum noticed the same). Obviously, I have never checked the dipstick level while the engine was running.

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[Mark_888]

I also checked out the engine noise in my brand new 3.8 just yesterday. Didn't get much of an answer except "normal." Since this is my first Hyundai I am starting up slowly with them. Like most of you do, I am working my list of new car questions and problems. Some door and trunk rattles are also on my list, but these also got the "normal" reply.

I don't think rattles are normal on the Genesis, at least not on earlier model years. I would get the dealer to fix them.

As discussed, the GDI engines do make a little bit of noise if you stick your head into the engine bay, but apparently not audible in the cabin.

 

[OGenesis]

I also hear the noise but heard it at the dealership as well prior to my purchase. I had them pull up 2 other brand new Genesis Sedans to listen to the engines of all 3 and see if the noise was consistent. It was the same on all 3 new motors. I raised a flag with the dealership manager and he went to the Service Dept. Turns out, it is the sound of the Direct injection. So, no, it doesn't have the nicest sound..but it means all is working and it is not audible in the cabin. I would rather have a little ticking and direct injection for the smooth power delivery and consistent fuel flow!!

 

[atc]

Try removing that big plastic cover on top of the 3.8 engine,it just sits on 4 pegs and pulls right off, I did just to see, now mine is much quieter when I am accelerating from 0 - 30 mph , I am thinking of leaving it off . I dont think it has any use except creating an echo chamber under the hood.
BTW I do know what GDI sounds like been around cars all my life used to pull them apart and put back together again. I had it on the Maxima but the the noise I was hearing on the Genesis sounded like a throaty intake. Anyway I am now convinced it was being enhanced by that engine cover.