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Engine Rattle on Start Up

COF139

COF139

PCGB Member
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I have previously read items about engine rattle on start up being attributed to hydraulic valve lifters, but that this should normally disappear within a few seconds once oil presure is up.

I experience this issue, but it seems to last for 30 - 40 seconds, even though oil pressure is strong.

So the question is does this point to another cause (i am hoping this is not a cam chain issue) ? The rattle does disappear altogether after 30 - 40 seconds, and there is no evidence of this at all once the engine is warm.

Any advice most welcome.

Car is 1999 3.4 Carrera

 
Hi Stuart. I have a 3.6 but the same applies to both engines. I too sometimes get a hydraulic sounding tappit noise when I start the car. I will say that it has reduced to almost never since I've run the engine on Castrol GTX Magnatec 10/40 oil. I found the Mobil 1 0/40 to be like water - even when it was cold, let alone hot, and I could not wait to get it out of my engine.

I should add that I am not an engineer and I don't use the car in anything even bordering on being anger. No track days, no thrashing about (especially when cold).

How many miles has you car done? I only ask this so that you can compare and contrast: mine has covered just 22K and is a 06/2003 car - so it seems that it can happen even at very low miles. I was worried about it for a while and i foolishly called my local OPC to ask about it. I came away from that conversation with absolutely no definitive answer whatsoever and I then called my trusted local indi who put my mind at rest.

I must admit that I had the noise once on start up and it went on for a while, so I very quickly blipped the throttle up to 3k revs (less than half a second) and it disappeared immediately. I never normally even touch the gas until she's up to temp but it seemed to do more good than harm in this case.

I'm assuming that your oil pressure and level are both normal?

Adrian.

 
Thanks for the response Adrian.

The car has done 66,000 miles, and oil pressure is fine....in fact there are absolutely no other concerns with the vehicle at all. The clanking is present on cold start every day...but disappears within a minute.

 
The start up rattle is common on the early 3.4 engines. The intermediate shaft was redesigned over the 4 years to try to cure the start up rattle and make the design more reliable.
 
This was a problem playing on my mind for somtime, now had the car for 5 years, and i even had the engine out under warranty and the tappets replaced, still no better my OPC told me the engine would have to come out again at my cost, as the warranty had run out, no way. As soon as i drive it the noise stops, very common on the 3.4s maybe as Adrain says change the oil that may help, didnt much on mine but preffer the thicker oil.

Phil
 
Thanks for your responses. It is encouraging to hear that it is not too uncommon to be honest.
 
Yes, I have it too. For such a brilliant car it sounds terrible but is of no harm at all. Changing oil does help.
 
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