SUBJECT:
3.8/3.3L Engine Noises
This revised bulletin replaces information previously issued on June 1, 2007, Engine 028. It readdresses several noises on 3.8 or 3.3 litre engines used in 2006 and later Sedona (VQ) and 2007 and later Amanti (GH) and Sorento (BL). Three separate noises are covered.
Noise 1) 3.8/3.3L engines may exhibit noise for several seconds during initial start-up after sitting several hours, which typically sound like loose timing chains or excessive bearing clearance.
Noise 2) 3.8/3.3L engines may exhibit noise during or after full warm-up, which can sound like excessive valve lash (valve tap) on one or more cylinders – or – loose timing chains.
Noise 3) In fewer cases, the catalyst heat shields may produce buzzing sounds that are most noticeable after full warm-up, and under slight engine load.
This TSB will distinguish when and how to address these concerns. Please note that there have been changes to acceptable repair limits. Additionally there have been changes to the repair procedures, which are provided in the service information on KGIS.
| Noise | Noise Type | Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Timing chain / bearing clearance noise at cold start-up, which diminishes after the first 3 to 4 seconds of running time | Cold engine after sitting several hours | NO REPAIR OR ACTION NECESSARY OR RECOMMENDED |
| 2 | Valve lash noise (valve tap) on one or several cylinders
— oR — Timing chain noise lasting longer than the initial 3 to 4 seconds start-up time | Cold or Warm Engine | Replace both timing chain tensioners with part number
(unless previously done) |
| 3 | Rattling or buzzing noise at various off-idle engine speeds
Applies only to Sedona (VQ) and Amanti (GH) Does NOT apply to Sorento (BL) | Warm Engine only
(May be more noticeable with slight engine load) | Adjust the catalyst heat shield clearance |
Noise 1 – Engine Noise Only at Initial Start-up
This can be caused by oil draining back into the crankcase after sitting several hours or more so after sitting overnight. Since the primary tension application of the chain tensioners is oil pressure, the tensioners may initially have slack until significant oil reaches them and pressure begins to build.
If the noise diminishes at the same time oil pressure builds, there is no fault with the current design timing chain tensioners. No action or repair is necessary or recommended.
NOTICE *
If necessary, this can be easily confirmed by installing an oil pressure gauge and monitoring the noise before and after oil pressure build-up.
Noise 2 – Valve Lash (Valve Tap) Type Noise – or – Excessive Timing Chain Noise
For valve tap type noise on one or more cylinders – or – for timing chain noise lasting longer than the initial 3 to 4 second start-up time, replace both LH and RH timing chain tensioners with part number 24410-3C300, unless previously done.
NOTICE *
Engine removal is no longer recommended. Please see updated service information (on KGIS) and labor op time on timing chain tensioner replacement.
Noise 3 – Catalyst Heat Shield Buzzing / Rattling Under Slight Load
Noise can occur with less than 3mm clearance between catalyst and heat shield.
Affected Production Range:
| Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement | Catalyst Heat Shield Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 2006 and later Sedona (VQ)
2007 and later Amanti (GH) 2007 and later Sorento (BL) | 2006 / 2007 Sedona (VQ)
2007 Amanti (GH) Vehicles produced up to october 9, 2006 |
Required Part:
| Timing Chain Tensioner: | 24410-3C300
Genuine Hyundai 24410-3C300 Timing Chain Tensioner Assembly
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
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