First start of a given day, the 3800 sounds like a diesel until I'm out of the driveway. Oil is fine, all other driving is fine. I took it to a local trusty mechanic but of course it was sounding smooth by then. He said I could make a appointment, bring it back and leave it, but "if it'* lifters or some other internal problem we don't get into that, try the dealer where you bought it".

Hmm, the dealer... Yes, can do, but I don't want to get talked into something I don't need. Suggestions?

Do you have a video camera? A vid would help.

What brand and weight of oil do you use? You could try cleaning the engine out with seafoam in the oil before the next oil change.

Thanks for the reply and suggestions. My camera'* lens in stuck closed, getting another soon. I dunno the oil, in prep for sale it had a change 2000 miles ago at the Chevy dealer where I bought it. Never heard of seafoam.

This is seafoam, you can pick it up at walmart and most part stores.

PS thats not my hand, i just pulled that pic off the net.

You can put SeaFoam in your engines oil to break down deposits and gunk. You can use a vacuum line to suck it into the intake to clean carbon buildup. It can also be added to the gas tank to help prevent moisture build up and clean the fuel system.

I would say add SeaFoam to the car and drive the car for a day then get the oil changed, unless someone suggests something else.

Your camera does record though right? If we are listening to an internal noise....seeing the motor won't be needed. Only hearing.

2000 miles left on this oil change? When did you first notice the problem? If it was shortly after your last oil change, I'd put a new oil filter in.

By any chance have you messed with your throttle body or airbox?

I recently gutted my airbox (multiple times). Every time I open it up a little more, it gets a little more diesel-sounding until the temperature needle hits around 130°. If the noise you describe is coming from the airbox, I wouldn't worry.

OK, I got the camera working, got a video for the sound, and some other snaps of anomalous MUNG around the engine. Check it out HERE.

Oh, btw, I did look at the engine before I bought it. Nice and clean.