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Hyundai Sonata 6 cylinders or 4?

73 messages,  Last post on Jul 27, 2009 at 4:56 AM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Engine, Sedan

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#24 of 73 Re: Ray, can you say 100 K Warranty. Hey, it's OK! [] by ray_h1 Oct 25, 2006 (12:51 pm)
Replying to: unknown (Oct 25, 2006 12:11 pm) Certainly I can say, "100K Warranty" (and it's, indeed, OK!) . Now, can you say, "WHAT IS NOT COVERED (taken from my '03 Sonata's warranty supplement booklet on page 17) * Normal maintenance services (yada-yada-yada)   * Normal maintenance items (yada-yada-yada)   * Normal deterioration or wear of any [emphasis mine] part (yada-yada-yada - my personal favorite, catch-all gotcha )   Not saying you're wrong - just don't make automatic assumptions that an owner would have the automaker by the short hairs.   What Hyundai marketing giveth, Hyundai legal may taketh away if it'th tho inclined. Just because Hyundai advertises it has "America's best warranty" Hyundai didn't spell out for whom it's best... Replies to this message: miamixt (Oct 25, 2006 1:28 pm) pat (Oct 25, 2006 1:56 pm)
#25 of 73 OK Ray! by miamixt Oct 25, 2006 (1:28 pm)
Replying to: ray_h1 (Oct 25, 2006 12:51 pm) I do agree with what you just wrote. I also agree with what "unknown" writes. He is highly intelligent, and always speaks his mind.   I have no idea why the system sometimes does that to me, eh I mean to him   MiamiXT Replies to this message: pat (Oct 25, 2006 1:56 pm)
#26 of 73 Re: OK Ray! [miamixt] by pat HOST Oct 25, 2006 (1:56 pm)
Replying to: miamixt (Oct 25, 2006 1:28 pm) Yeah, we're trying to figure out why the system does that to some at certain times, too.   It's not your problem, and I am told a fix is in the works. Sorry 'bout that.
#27 of 73 Re: Which one? [jack47] by cableguy06 Oct 29, 2006 (1:06 pm)
Replying to: jack47 (Oct 06, 2006 4:35 am) Something to consider as well is that the 4 has a timing belt that needs to be changed at a hefty cost where as the V6 has a timing chain with an automatic chain tensioner that should never need to be changed. Overall, V6 engine maintenance should be less that the 4 and the power of the 6 is well...WOW! Replies to this message: ray_h1 (Oct 29, 2006 4:19 pm) w9cw (Oct 30, 2006 5:11 pm) cableguy06 (Oct 31, 2006 4:32 am) w9cw (Oct 31, 2006 6:12 am)
#28 of 73 Re: Which one? [cableguy06] by ray_h1 Oct 29, 2006 (4:19 pm)
Replying to: cableguy06 (Oct 29, 2006 1:06 pm) "WOW!" is right - the persistant urban myth of timing chain indestructability... Reality check - what you posted does not reflect the current status of the latest generation Sonata (and Azera) engines according to the 2006 Sonata (and Azera) shop manuals. The 2.4L I4 used in the latest generation Sonata does not have a timing belt. This engine carries no less than three chains - a main timing chain from the crankshaft up to one of the camshafts, a secondary timing chain interconnecting the two camshafts, and a balance shaft chain. If you believe that routine servicing of the V6 engine will be less costly than that for the I4, you apparently have not had the pleasure of attempting to change the firewall bank of spark plugs on Hyundai V6 engines in front-wheel drive vehicles. The intake manifold ram-induction runners and plenum chamber are smack-dab in the way. I recently read that the average life of a timing chain is in the neighborhood of 165,000 miles - though some have been known to go 300,000+ miles while some have failed in as little as 100,000 miles. While it's true that timing chains are generally longer lived than belts, timing chains can and do break with equally disastrous results to that which occurs when a timing belt snaps. Even if the vehicle owner is fortunate enough not to break pistons or bend valve stems due to open valves interfering with piston travel, a broken chain thrashing around in the confined space between the engine block and the engine's aluminum front cover casting will show no mercy - often with a good chance of breaking the front cover casting and possibly rendering the engine block useless from internal cracking in the web area of the front main bearing support. In addition to the expense of the chain itself, a stretched chain that requires replacement will often mandate changing out the chain guides, sprockets*, and auto-tensioner. Since none of the latest Sonata engines use hydraulic or manually adjustable tappets any longer, the solid tappets now used need to be checked at 60,000 mile intervals for excess valve lash. Should the measured valve lash be in excess of permissable limits, the timing chains will have to be removed along with the camshaft(s) in order to substitute the proper length replacement tappet(s) (available in 41 service sizes). When buttoning everything back up, the engine will have to be re-timed even if the chains and associated guide and tensioning paraphenalia are still in acceptable condition. The labor charges involved will surely be every bit as, if not more, significant than that for replacing a timing belt.   *When chains wear and stretch, they also cause excessive sprocket wear. Replies to this message: w9cw (Oct 30, 2006 5:11 pm) cableguy06 (Oct 31, 2006 4:32 am) w9cw (Oct 31, 2006 6:12 am)
#29 of 73 Re: Which one? [ray_h1] by w9cw Oct 30, 2006 (5:11 pm)
Replying to: ray_h1 (Oct 29, 2006 4:19 pm) Ray - you're exactly correct as to timing chains. Properly maintained, excluding any fluke breakage or separation, there is really nothing wrong with a well-designed timing belt configuration. I've been saying this for a long time on various forums. Plus, they're external to the engine and typically much more readily accessible. Timing chains are fine, as I have them in my classic SAAB 900's, but repair can be costly. One of the funny things about timing belts is the initial reason(s) for implementation in an OHC design was: more quiet operation over a typical chain, and ease of replacement and repair. I guess we've come full circle.   The more I study and mull-over the Lamba V6 design, and the new 2.4L I4 design for that matter, I start thinking about possibly not buying a Sonata. Maintenance on this design "could" become quite expensive over time, and I keep my cars for a long time.   Hmmm . . . easy spark plug replacement and long-term, and relatively cheap lifter replacement, makes me want to consider a longitudinal domestic V6 design with good-old hydraulic lifters - if there are any left. I guess I'd have to consider a RWD vehicle! Not many choices there! Of course, there will be those who point out that the spark plugs commonly used today with the HEI ignitions typically last 100K, but still . . . I know what you mean trying to change plugs in a transverse V6.
#30 of 73 Re: Which one? [ray_h1] by cableguy06 Oct 31, 2006 (4:32 am)
Replying to: ray_h1 (Oct 29, 2006 4:19 pm) Ray, interesting in that my comment stemmed from a conversation I had with the dealership before purchasing the car. I was torn between the 4 and the 6...the mileage versus acceleration dilemma. I decided to go with the 6 since the rebates brought it down to about the price of a 4. The dealer said good choice since the 4's have timing belts that can break and need to be replaced every 60K miles. The 6's on the other hand have chains and never need to be replaced.   This was the basis for my posting so, as we all do, live and learn and never take as gospel what is said to you by a car dealer Replies to this message: w9cw (Oct 31, 2006 6:12 am)
#31 of 73 Re: Which one? [cableguy06] by w9cw Oct 31, 2006 (6:12 am)
Replying to: cableguy06 (Oct 31, 2006 4:32 am) Cableguy06 - The old 4's did have timing belt, but the new 2.4L 4 used in the Sonata has a timing chain as per Ray.   If the salesperson you worked with was relatively new, he or she may still have been on "the learning curve." As customers, we generally are very informed on the specific vehicle we're considering, but the sales staff must know the specifics on all of the vehicles they sell, and this is not necessarily an easy task, especially for a new salesperson and with new models appearing on the lot. Their knowledge, or lack thereof, is totally dependent upon the dealership's training program. However, they should "check their data" before giving you the info.   Interestingly, the Service Manager and Service Advisor at our local Hyundai dealership also recommends the V6 over the 4. It begs the question if their recommendation is based upon fuel mileage differentials, reliability and/or overall satisfaction, or the benefits "they" may receive on increased service costs over the long-term. I don't know, as only time will tell.
#32 of 73 For anyone interested... by ray_h1 Oct 31, 2006 (2:58 pm)
Here's the link to the archived online shop manuals at HMAService. Registration is required, but is FREE. You'll need Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. Once connected, check the "Site Requirements" button - even if you're already running Reader or Acrobat, you may still need to install some Adobe plugins to access the diagrams. The plugins are set up to automatically connect to Adobe's website, download, and install painlessly. Good reference material to have at hand for Hyundai owners as well as independent service techs.
#33 of 73 Re: Ray, can you say 100 K Warranty. Hey, it's OK! [] by mort6 Nov 02, 2006 (8:05 pm)
Replying to: unknown (Oct 25, 2006 12:11 pm) I am getting ready to purchase a 2007 Sonata I4. I am concerned about the most recent discussion concerning the solid lifters used by Hyundai. Keep in mind i do about 30K per year and plan to keep my care until it dies.   Should i be concerned. what other mid size vehicles use the hydraulic type lifters. Thanks in advance for your replies

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