For 1990-2009 cars

# Engine Noise after Cylinder Head Replacement on Early Build 3.0L - keywords bely cylinderhead head L81 l300 rap rattle timing

Subject: | Engine Noise after Cylinder Head Replacement on Early Build 3.0L

Models: | 2000-2002 Saturn L-series

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

### Condition/Concern:

Techs may experience engine noise due to the timing belt tensioner bracket not having the long bolts installed after a new styled bank 2 cylinder head has been replaced on an older 2000-2002 L-Series L81 engine. The noise description is something like a lifter type noise or wrist pin contacting the cylinder walls but not quite the same. Timing belt tensioner design has not seemed to play a part however the bank 2 cylinder head must have been replaced with a new one or one scavenged from a late model year engine and the long bolt was not installed in the tensioner bracket. Current cases have been somewhat difficult to identify the noise location however the most important piece of information is that the engine has to be an early build, 2000-2002 L-Series. The most common complaint is engine noise after the cylinder head replacement and that the noise is difficult to isolate.

Condition possibly present on VIN 1Y561680 or earlier.

### Recommendation/Instructions:

Tech must use the long style bolt with the newer type heads on older model engines part number 11094791 and 11095521. The reason for the long bolt on newer designed cylinder heads is due to a locating pin for the timing belt tensioner around one attachment bolt and requires the longer bolt for proper thread engagement to keep the tensioner from moving while the engine is running.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.