Hyundaitech: '07 3.3l tappet noise?

I've noticed on my 07 Santa Fe Ltd AWD that when I start it I get what
sounds like tappet noise (click, click...) for quite a while. I've
serviced this car every 5K miles with synthetic blend and it now has 27K
mostly highway miles.

Is this normal for the 3.3L engine? Anything to be concerned about?

Thanks

 

Are you using the Hyundai/Kia oil filter? There was a service bulletin
warning that some cars will get a tappet noise when starting if you don't
use their filter! It has a special anti-leakback valve so the hydraulic
lifters done drain or leak down, which causes the noise when starting. The
filter is about $5 at most dealers for the spin on type. Don't know about
the canister version.

 

I have an 06 Sonata with the 3.3 and have the same type of noise but
generally only in colder weather. It goes away after driving a few
blocks. I don't think this is related to the brand of oil filter
since I use Hyundai's OEM filter,

 

Same for my Sonata, I believe it's related to wrong oil, there is a special
recommenation to use 5W20 or 5W30 oil, while I have a 5W40.

 

The 3.3 uses a cartridge filter. not a spin on! And yes you get tappe
noise when engine first runs! BUT I didn't think it had hydrauli
lifters?

 

I have the same thing with my Elantra. I even convinced service to
replace valve lifters under warranty but that didn't help. Later on I
realized that PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is rattling
when cold. It is situated on the valve cover so it sounds like it is
coming from the valve train. I replaced this valve but new one is also
rattling, perhaps not as long as the old one.

 

I haven't particularly noticed this on the 3.3 engine. In fact, I've onl
heard what I believed to be valve noise a couple times on either the 3.
or 3.8 lambda engine, and both times it occurred after the car had no
been started for at least a few days, and both times it was quite loud.

Looking in the manual, I see that the engine has manual lash adjusters, s
I suspect in the above referenced cases, enough of the oil may have draine
back to create some lower end noise.

Certain GM engines are designed such that piston slap is heard when th
engine is started cold. I don't recall hearing this on the Hyundai 3.3 o
3.8, but it may just be something I've tuned out.

The best approach at this point may be to let the dealer check it.
Hyundai had some problems with timing chain tensioners (causing a rattl
noise for several seconds on start-up), but I was under the impressio
that was resolved prior to the production of any of the 3.3 Santa Fes