Noise on cold start

[Spetz]

Hi everyone,

My car (as per signature) is making a cluttery sound for the first 1-2 seconds upon cold start up.

I am not sure if it is the belt slapping before the tensioner adjusts or whether it is the tappets.

There is ticking when hot.

If it is the tappets are they worth changing or just leave as is?

 

[AVB]

I have sigs turned off. Don't know about others, but you may get more replies by stating the car.

 

[BrocLuno]

Clattery cold start often has to do with "drain off". That is the oil film diminishes overnight. There are a few causes.

The first to investigate is the filter installed. There is an anti-drain-back valve built into most filters. Some are better than others. Since you are down under, I do not know what brands are available. Here (USA) we would prolly get a Napa Gold/Wix filter and try that. See if you can find an up-market filter with a good reputation and try that. Don't need to do a whole oil change. Just spin off the old filter and spin on the new one, then top off after it has filled, etc.

Next up is the oil. Some oils and mostly synthetics have a tendency to drain off due to their inherent lower surface tension. Makes then less happy about maintaining capillary fill. So there is an oil film on cold start, just not a robust cushion. A good high quality dino oil will usually show up this condition as they will maintain a more robust cushion overnight. So if you are running syn right now (and looks like you are) and the filter change does not solve the issue, try a 15W-40 dino oil and see if that does it ...

For the hot tick, that can be a dirty or varnished valve self adjuster. Or a valve out of adjustment if they need manual adjustments ... If they are automatic ones, a good strong cleansing additive like BG109 will usually clear that up. I use a full can in the sump for the last 100 K or so before you get the oil changed. Usually does the trick

 

[4WD]

I’m fortunate to have all vertical and base up oil filters … mounted low … but well protected

 

[Kira]

The OP is from Australia so wouldn't his filters be turned base down? That is how that works, no?

 

[ozdrrider]

10w40 Nulon semi-syn or fullsyn should quieten it down. The Nulon 15w40 premium mineral is good value ATM. The Nulon gear seems to help things run quiet.

The Anti drain back valve on the filter seems dodgy change that as well.

 

[talest]

Originally Posted By: Kira
The OP is from Australia so wouldn't his filters be turned base down? That is how that works, no?


No, the fluids would circulate the opposite direction lol.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: talest
Originally Posted By: Kira
The OP is from Australia so wouldn't his filters be turned base down? That is how that works, no?


No, the fluids would circulate the opposite direction lol.


I hear the engines run reverse rotation down there

 

[ARCOgraphite]

SPETZ

Other than the unknown filter, sounds like your treating the old gal right with your Ultra Helix.

Better a bit O' tic than a miss from tight ones.

Did not this engine have an oil drain back issue? Or was that just Plymouth Minivan 3 litre motors?

 

[4WD]

Originally Posted By: Kira
The OP is from Australia so wouldn't his filters be turned base down? That is how that works, no?


So U Tube theory - but where the destination of evacuation at point of equalization is all in reverse ...
Well, think my filters stay full ... and upper bypass will be my newest add ...

 

[Spetz]

Hi everyone,

The filter in it currently is an AC Delco which from my research was decent.
I am not 100% sure that it is in fact hydraulic lash adjuster noise or whether it is the timing belt flapping before the tensioner takes up the slack.

This is the first time I used an AC Delco filter. From memory I didn't have this noise before (8,600km since the AC Delco went on).

Is it possible the lash adjusters themselves are worn?
I've had them out about 30k miles ago and cleaned them in diesel. They all seemed fine but upon re-installation there was no difference in engine ticking while warm.
It does not tick when cold though (might be rpm dependent as the ticking goes away when the revs are above idle)

 

[ARCOgraphite]

If its a E core use a different filter - try a traditional metal core, low efficiency Champ if you can find one.