2007 Chevrolet Impala Clicking Noise

Tiny
BRYAH1
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 100,000 MILES
I have a 2007 chevy impala with a little over 100,000 miles. My car has been overheating for a while and Ive just been putting water or antifreeze in it until I can get it repaired. The overheating is due to the radiator being cracked. The other day I drove my car home from school and it started to overheat and slow down, but I thought I could make it home since I don't live that far. The gauge went all the way up and back down a few times. I heard a noise as if there was an empty bottle with a coin in it that was shaking. When I got home I let the car rest for about 2 hours the car rested. I went to start the car and it started and turn. Off like when u run out of gas. I went to turn the key again and all I heard was a clicking sound. A mechanic came by and replaced the started because we thought thats what it was but still no start. Now hes saying that we blew the camshaft from trying to start it. Is he be right? Any advice
Friday, October 4th, 2013 AT 5:27 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
What? Blew the camshaft from trying to start it? I never heard of that. However, does the starter only click when engaged? Are you sure the battery isn't weak? The starter will click if the battery is weak or nearly dead.

First, we need to get the engine to turn over. Let me know about the battery first and if it is good, I will explain what to do next.

Joe
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Friday, October 4th, 2013 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Sounds like hes unsure. How does he know the camshaft is bad? Its inside the engine! Did you tell him you overheated this engine? If so, if he is any good, he would have turned the engine over by hand to verify its not seized. Before replacing the starter. A starter will just "click" if the engine is seized. I hate to jump to conclusions, but it sounds like you may end up needing an engine.
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Friday, October 4th, 2013 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Sorry joe, didnt realize you were handling this question. We must have responded at the same time.
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Friday, October 4th, 2013 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
BRYAH1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes it clicks only when the starters engaged. Everything else turns on. He does know about the overheating. I had a problem with the battery a few months ago but I really am not sure if its weak now. Im pretty positive that he didnt turn over the engine.I really hope I didnt ruin the engine.
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Friday, October 4th, 2013 AT 9:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
MadMike,
Not a problem. It happens. Do you have any additional words of wisdom you can add to help this guy out?

Bryah1
As far as the car, since the starter clicks when you try to start it, I would recommend removing the battery, recharging it, and having it bench tested at a parts store. That may be the problem in this case. Do that first and let us (Madmike and I) know what you find. If that isn't the problem, we will need to direct you as to how to turn the engine by hand to see if it is locked.

Joe

PS: Since the engine started and ran for a few seconds, AT THIS POINT, I don't think it is locked up.
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Saturday, October 5th, 2013 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Just doing a follow up here. We havnt heard back from you. Have you verified the engine isnt locked up yet?
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Sunday, October 6th, 2013 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
BRYAH1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Someones coming to look at my car towmorrow. If the engine is locked up, is that a bad thing? How do you unlock it?
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Sunday, October 6th, 2013 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
If its locked up, thats very bad. Means it seized, and there is no unlocking it. Hopefully this is not the outcome. I really hope its just a loose connection on your starter. Much cheaper!
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Sunday, October 6th, 2013 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
If it is locked up, it will be time for a new engine. Is the person coming to see if a certified tech? If so, do you trust him? I don't want to see you get taken.
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Sunday, October 6th, 2013 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
After I sent you a post, I was thinking about your issue. I wonder if you have a cylinder that is filling with coolant and causing it to act locked up. If the person coming out tomorrow says it's locked up, ask him to remove the spark plugs and see if it turns then. Something is telling me that you have a bad head gasket and it is allowing a cylinder to fill up with coolant and lock. If you remove the plugs and coolant comes out allowing the engine to turn, that is the problem.

Let us know what you find.
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Sunday, October 6th, 2013 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
BRYAH1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry I checked in so late, but I found out that my engine is locked. I have to get another engine. Ill update about how engine shopping goes. Thank you!
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Thursday, October 17th, 2013 AT 4:29 AM

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