2002 CHEVROLET CHEVY

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise at startup that may persist when warm, Loss of power or rough idle as cam lobes wear, Check engine light with misfire codes in advanced cases

Fix: Requires lifter replacement (all 8 recommended when doing the job) and camshaft inspection/replacement if lobes show wear. 8-12 labor hours depending on cam condition. Often find worn cam lobes on cylinders 2 and 3. Must resurface or replace cylinder head if rocker wear is severe.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, especially on cold starts, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating or fluctuating temperature gauge, Milky oil or oil in coolant reservoir

Fix: Single head gasket job requires cylinder head removal, resurface (common to find warpage), and gasket replacement. 10-14 labor hours. Always check for cracked head while it's off—this engine overheats easily if coolant system isn't maintained. Resurface adds 2-3 hours machine shop time.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine movement visible from engine bay during acceleration, Vibration through shifter and floor at idle, Difficulty engaging gears smoothly

Fix: Transmission mount rubber deteriorates and separates, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Replacement is 2-3 labor hours. Often find upper engine mount is also worn when this goes—recommend inspecting all mounts. Failure accelerates wear on CV axles and transmission seals.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Vibration that worsens with RPM, especially 2,000-3,000 RPM range, Serpentine belt wear or throwing belts, Visible wobble of crankshaft pulley, Rough idle that shakes the whole vehicle

Fix: Rubber ring between inner hub and outer ring deteriorates, causing pulley to wobble. Requires harmonic balancer puller and installer tools. 3-4 labor hours. If ignored, will destroy crankshaft front seal and can crack timing cover. Always replace crankshaft seal while balancer is off.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under vehicle, usually driver's side, Low transmission fluid warnings or harsh shifting, Pink residue or drips visible on cooler lines at radiator, Burnt transmission fluid smell if run low

Fix: Steel lines rust through at bends or rubber hoses crack at connections to radiator. Line replacement is 2-3 hours, must drop splash shields. Cooler lines are often not serviced until they leak, but rubber sections should be replaced preventively at 100K. Check radiator-mounted cooler for internal leaks (trans fluid in coolant).

Estimated cost: $300-600

Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when engine is hot, Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration, Loss of power at highway speeds, Engine stalling at idle after driving

Fix: Inline fuel filter clogs from poor fuel quality or rust in tank. Should be replaced every 30,000 miles but often neglected. 1 hour labor. Located under vehicle mid-body. If filter is severely clogged, check fuel pump pressure—pump often works overtime and fails prematurely. Recommend tank drop and cleaning if rust debris present.

Estimated cost: $80-150