'17 Chevy Spark loud engine after air filter check

Asked by Lee Nov 30, 2021 at 12:50 AM about the 2017 Chevrolet Spark 1LT FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

A few days ago I wanted to check my engine air filter
to see if it needed changing. I took off both screws
holding the housing together, but in the process
dropped one and couldn't find it.  I'm not sure if that's
pertinent, but figured I'd mention it.  Checked the filter
and it was still fairly clean, so I put it back in and
screwed down the one screw that was left. Now I'm
noticing that the engine is louder when accelerating at
higher speeds, starting around 40mph or so. When I
accelerate fr that speed, I can hear it significantly
louder coming from the side of the car where the air
filter is. It almost sounds like what I remember my old
cars sounding like when the exhaust pipe was starting
to get rust holes in it.  And I also get the feeling that I
don't have as much power as before when trying to
accelerate. It feels similar to when I have the AC on
and trying to get going, or go from say 55mph to
65mph, it just revs up but takes forever to speed up.
Any ideas what I should check, or what I should have
my car shop look at?

Oh, and I did but a replacement screw, though it wasn't
as long as the original. But it does seem to be catching
and holding on just fine.

Thanks

4 Answers

450

Okay, We go back to the engine and check the Engine AirCleaner/Air Filter again, It could be mounted backwards: up-side down or In-side out. so Engine can't take properly the clean air it needs for the proper firing process. Make sure Air intake system is properly mounted with no gaps, loose clamps to avoid vacuums/leaks left. thanks.

310,085

Recheck your work, it is very common that the tabs get misaligned allowing an air leak around the filters seals.

Thanks for the tips guys. The replacement screw I bought wasn't long enough, and so there was a small gap in the housing that caused the noise. I couldn't tell at first because everything looked like it fit correctly.

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