Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Correction
Low oil pressure	Perform an oil pressure test. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing . Repair or replace, as required.
Worn camshafts and/or valve rocker arms or improperly adjusted rocker arms	Adjust rocker arms or replace components, as required.
Improper lubrication to the valve rocker arms	Inspect the following components, and repair or replace, as required: The valve rocker arm and shaft The oil filter The oil filter bypass valve The oil pump and pump screen The cylinder head oil galleries The engine block oil galleries and restrictors Inspect the intake rocker arm control system for proper operation.
Broken valve spring	Replace the valve spring.
Stretched or broken timing components	Replace the timing components.
Worn timing belt or tensioner	Replace the timing belt tensioner, as required.
Worn timing belt	Replace the timing belt, as required.
Worn camshaft lobes	Inspect the camshaft lobes. Replace the camshafts, as required.
Worn valve guides or valve stems	Inspect the following components and repair, as required: The valves The valve guides
Stuck valves Carbon on the valve stem or valve seat may cause the valve to stay open.	Inspect the following components and repair, as required: The valves The valve guides