[sjkslk09]

Can somebody please point me in the right direction as to what could be the problem with my 1998 Malibu?

Last Wednesday while driving on the freeway at about 70mph, my engine just started losing power. I obviously started slowing down and pulled off into the break down lane. Once I reached about 10mph I shifted into neutral and the engine just quit & would not restart. While trying to start, the engine clattered. Deeper than a push rod or valve would. I checked the oil & coolant & all seemed to be normal. I had it towed to my home & later that evening I tried to start it and it would now start, but it still sounded horrible. I drained the oil the other day and observed small cooper colored metal shavings at the bottom of the pan the oil was drained into. I'm a bit confused as to where to start looking to isolate this problem now???

Is this engine repairable for what the car is worth? KBB was about $1300 the last time I checked.

I greatly appreciate any helpful advice provided to get me in the right direction...

 

[chevyguy8893]

Spun rod bearings will make a deeper clattering noise. If you bring up the RPM's some does it sound like a very fast sound or is it a little bit slower. Push rods and valves are generally fast paced and rod bearings would cause a slower paced noise. Since there are copper colored shavings I suspect spun rod bearing, but it is hard saying since I can't hear it in person.

If it is you will most likely need a new crank, bearings, and gaskets at the minimum. Once you get into it you may find more issues that bring up the cost of repair. Honestly, since the engine in your car is a dime a dozen I would search for a good used engine with a warranty to it. It is up to you depending on what you find wrong.

 

[sjkslk09]

Thanks ChevyGuy,
I posted a video on youtube to possibly help diagnose my issue. Please keep in mind that this when the engine is cold & when it broke down it sounded much much worse & wouldn't even idle or start. Only after the engine cooled down, would it start. Hope this is beneficial...

 

[chevyguy8893]

To me it sounds like a rod bearing, but since it died out completely it makes me think it may be something else. I just don't want to tell you it is one thing and guide you down the wrong path to fixing it. It does sound exactly like the cop car that came into the shop with another spun rod bearing, but that is the 3.5L V6. Maybe someone else will be able to give another view on this.

 

[sjkslk09]

Problem diagnosed through overhaul - Worn out crankshaft bearings