Bit of a thread mine here.
My 2010 kizashi has started to make this exact same rattle.
Only makes it when idling in park or drive.
Taking it in to the dealer next week to get it diagnosed in case it's something to do with CVT.
Engine Rattling
It actually serves as engine noise insulation. That's why they have foam lining underneath the plastic.peezi wrote:Take the engine cover off and drive around without it, if noise goes away then that was your problem. Engine cover is only there for looks.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
And I know on some makes, it actually helps with engine cooling (weird but true--someone on my site took their cover off and their car would run warm).KuroNekko wrote:It actually serves as engine noise insulation. That's why they have foam lining underneath the plastic.peezi wrote:Take the engine cover off and drive around without it, if noise goes away then that was your problem. Engine cover is only there for looks.
KuroNekko wrote:It actually serves as engine noise insulation. That's why they have foam lining underneath the plastic.peezi wrote:Take the engine cover off and drive around without it, if noise goes away then that was your problem. Engine cover is only there for looks.
That is probably true, however I can't hear my engine unless I floor it anyway, so it seems pointless. As far as running warm this doesn't matter either, in fact its good if you prefer more heat from your heater...
As long as the car is not overheating then you're fine. Besides, the radiator is really what cools your car engine... 
John PZ
2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS AWD
2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS AWD
Personally, I hate engine covers. I actually want to see the engine and the various components attached to it. But most people want something pretty.peezi wrote:That is probably true, however I can't hear my engine unless I floor it anyway, so it seems pointless. As far as running warm this doesn't matter either, in fact its good if you prefer more heat from your heater...
I don't think the covers in our cars is anything but cosmetic, but it doesn't bother me enough to want to find out. Of course, the first time I work on the engine or need to get under there, I'll probably see if it really does anything besides look 'prettier'.
I remove the cover when I wash my engine. Otherwise, the cleaner and water to rinse won't clean the actual block too well. I cover the electrical parts with a plastic bag (like the main fuse box). Been doing this for years on multiple cars with no problem. Last time I did it to my Mazda before selling it, some guy driving by was like, "Hey man, not so much water" when I was rising my engine. I just looked at him with cold eyes and then ignored him. If you know where the critical electrical components are, you don't need to freak out about water to the exterior of an engine. If anything, what's more important is that you always wash an engine cold. You can crack the block by spraying water on a hot engine.
About the Kizashi's engine's looks. It's actually unremarkable with the cover off. Looks like any other Japanese inline 4. A Subaru engine is far more interesting with its boxer design, but far more of a pain to work on (like changing the spark plugs).
About the only thing unique about the Kizashi's engine design is that you can see the timing chain when you take off the oil fill cap. It's located directly under the cap.
About the Kizashi's engine's looks. It's actually unremarkable with the cover off. Looks like any other Japanese inline 4. A Subaru engine is far more interesting with its boxer design, but far more of a pain to work on (like changing the spark plugs).
About the only thing unique about the Kizashi's engine design is that you can see the timing chain when you take off the oil fill cap. It's located directly under the cap.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
Oooo...fascinating. If it wasn't so cold, I might have gone down to check this out.KuroNekko wrote:About the only thing unique about the Kizashi's engine design is that you can see the timing chain when you take off the oil fill cap. It's located directly under the cap.
I mentioned leaving it on to help prevent water pooling in the spark plug area. It shouldn't happen, but sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. I've noticed a lot of issues cropping up on a Grand Vitara forum I frequent from the "coil on plug" spark plug boots failing. Some people have posted pictures with rusty contacts inside the boots - so water has penetrated that area.KuroNekko wrote:I remove the cover when I wash my engine.
David