DEATH RATTLE on cold start
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
DEATH RATTLE on cold start
My Vette has been sitting in a well-chilled (but not frozen) garage for about 10 days. I started it for the first time this morning, only to be greeted by a loud rattle up front somewhere. It went away before I could figure out what the heck it was, but the alternator did sound like it was squeaking a bit.
Has anyone experienced this? My main suspects are the water pump, alternator, or bubba. Not sure which :confused:
Has anyone experienced this? My main suspects are the water pump, alternator, or bubba. Not sure which :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start (page62)
How many miles on your engine? How was your oil pressure? If you have a main or big end bearing that is worn a little and you let your car sit in cold for a few day/weeks, then your oil gets cold and doesn’t flow as readily as if it were warm/hot causing oil starvation and that nasty rattling sound. Here is what I would do……..Let the car cool and get it to the same conditions you mentioned above. Remove the distributor and using a drill and an engine oil primer (can be had at your local auto parts store) spin the oil pump (in the proper direction:lol: ) and watch your oil pressure. Do not remove the coil wire and turn the engine over with the starter because if you have a bearing that is worn you may score the bearing and cause more damage. When you get indication of oil pressure, reinstall your distributor and the start the car. If your rattle goes away, that is probably a good indication of low oil flow and a bad bearing.
John
John
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start (theandies)
Hmmm...could be. Should I prepare myself for untimely demise of my engine? It only has 59,000 miles...
One thought: After warming up for at least a minute (good oil pressure -- 60 psi), I put it into reverse and heard the rattle again as the engine slowed to normal idle. And that was the last I heard of it.
One thought: After warming up for at least a minute (good oil pressure -- 60 psi), I put it into reverse and heard the rattle again as the engine slowed to normal idle. And that was the last I heard of it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 1
From: Sodertalje/Sweden
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start (page62)
If you are running with hydralic lifters,they rattle a bit before they pump up..My did the exact same thing when i changed to a heavier oil..But i went away..Maybe..What do i know :skep:
:cheers:
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start (BB wowbagger)
Don't think it's lifters -- I know that sound.
I'm thinking about changing to 5w30 for these cold (well... cool) months. I was amazed at the high oil pressure during warmup. And I never want to hear that rattle again! :nonod:
I'm thinking about changing to 5w30 for these cold (well... cool) months. I was amazed at the high oil pressure during warmup. And I never want to hear that rattle again! :nonod:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start ('79ProwlerOrange)
Nope. I know that sound too -- very common in 5.4L Ford Triton engines.
It almost sounded like the fan was hitting something. But between starts I checked the fan and it turned OK. Definitely at the front of the engine though...
Please keep trying!
It almost sounded like the fan was hitting something. But between starts I checked the fan and it turned OK. Definitely at the front of the engine though...
Please keep trying!
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start (Twin_Turbo)
Oooooh...those are creative guesses! I'll check the power steering fluid first chance I get -- haven't checked it since I bought the car :smash:
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 2,508
From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start (page62)
I had this problem.scare the f...... out of me. I thgouht I had a spun the main bearing or something. As I really started listening, I found that the vacuum cannister on the passenger side above the valve cover was fluttering. I confirmed this by disconnecting it. I then tie wrapped the vacuum hose onto it, and never had the problem again. I saw a listing of a Chevy Service Bulletin for this very issue, but have never been able to read the SB for the details. Check this; if this is it, it sounds real nasty at first; sounds like the nooise is below in the oil pan almost. The sound goes away as the car warms up. :smash: :smash: :smash:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: DEATH RATTLE on cold start (gliot1)
Good news! After a 24 hour rest in the cool garage, I started it up again. No noise.
I guess this means I MUST drive the car at least once a week to save the bearings or whatever. I can do that. :yesnod:
I guess this means I MUST drive the car at least once a week to save the bearings or whatever. I can do that. :yesnod:
