C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Is it a normal cold engine noise?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 02:04 PM
  #1  
PeterK's Avatar
PeterK
Thread Starter
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Default Is it a normal cold engine noise?

Info:
I might be obsessing too much over it but I'm concern about this slapping/knocking sound that is present for a short moment when the engine is cranking, but b/f it it fired up. This noise disappears as soon as the engine fires up. This knocking sound is pretty intrussive - it is best heard on the second start.

The car is 03 Z06 with <5K miles on it. Oil has been changed less than 1000 miles ago and at normal level

It is only present when the abmbient temperature is cool (<60).
Here is how it sounds at ambient temp of 85 degrees.
Engine at 85 degrees
Engine at 55 degrees

Pay close attention to the second start during cold weather - that is when the knocking is most noticeable


[Modified by PeterK, 1:08 PM 10/22/2003]
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 02:09 PM
  #2  
PeterK's Avatar
PeterK
Thread Starter
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

I've stopped by the dealer and they said that this is all totally normal. Not that I don't trust them, but they once told me that an overfilled rear differential can leack for up to 36 month and 36K miles and it is normal.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 02:25 PM
  #3  
pwrshhftd's Avatar
pwrshhftd
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Kannapolis NC
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

hmm,mine actually is much worse than that.
you can hear mine from quiet a distance.

I will know more about it mnday when i get a diagnosis from David at TJC.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 02:33 PM
  #4  
PeterK's Avatar
PeterK
Thread Starter
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (pwrshhftd)

Well, I've recorded it on laptop seating in the cabin.. So what you hear is pretty muffled.

People have already asked me if the car is alright because it sound kind of strange.
hmm,mine actually is much worse than that.
you can hear mine from quiet a distance.

I will know more about it mnday when i get a diagnosis from David at TJC.

[Modified by PeterK, 1:34 PM 10/22/2003]
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 03:13 PM
  #5  
Dr.Ron's Avatar
Dr.Ron
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

Almost sound like when your starter is bad & the car doesn't crank,just clicks... :lurk:
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 03:46 PM
  #6  
PeterK's Avatar
PeterK
Thread Starter
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (Dr.Ron)

Almost sound like when your starter is bad & the car doesn't crank,just clicks... :lurk:
Hmm,
Do you think my battery can be weak?
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 06:00 PM
  #7  
johnC5's Avatar
johnC5
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: La Jolla, CA
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

Almost sound like when your starter is bad & the car doesn't crank,just clicks... :lurk:

Hmm,
Do you think my battery can be weak?
I just cued up both sounds in SoundForge7: the 2nd cold start is slower than the first. It does sound like the starter solenoid clicking, and/or something to do with the starter system.

Since the 2nd cold start sounded slower (almost didn't start sounding), checking for a weak/bad battery, dirty post contacts, alternator, etc., is a good first guess. The starter solenoid contacts could also be dirty.

A potential source of the noise is the starter solenoid being actuated by the key wiring path, which sends current to the electromagnet in the starter. This pulls the solenoid to engage high amp contacts to run the starter motor. With a weak battery system, the loss of current to run the starter motor causes the electromagnet to lose power, and spring back, cutting the starter motor. Once this happens, there is now enough electromagnet power to re-engage the starter contacts. This cycle occurs rapidly, making noise.

Otherwise, your engine sounds great, nice and smooth and quiet.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 06:18 PM
  #8  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

PeterK

Nice job on the recordings! Very professional! :thumbs:
I would have to agree that it sounds like a solonid or internal starter problem. Could be a bendix that is weak ot excessively loose.
So,,, the service guy says it normal! :rolleyes: :skep:

If I were you I would ask the dealer to crank up one of his new Vetts on the lot and see if it makes the same noise. I dont think he will want to compare them.
Honestly, I would tell him that you think it is an abnormal noise and ask him to replace the starter. If he wont, ask to speak to the service manager about it. If he wont play ask to speak to the Distric Service Rep.
He(( its only a starter! It's not like your asking for a new engine or drive train! :D

Bill C
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 06:24 PM
  #9  
dubya's Avatar
dubya
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: All Liberals must hang
St. Jude Contributor
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (Bill Curlee)

To me it sounds like the Bindex in the starter or the solenoid. This not your average starter, its high speed high torque. So when its cold out it has to labor a little more to get the job done. Generally an electrical problem such as loose ground would rear its ugly head even when warm. It would be an easy change for the dealer. Hope this helps. :cheers:


[Modified by dubya, 5:27 PM 10/22/2003]
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 07:31 PM
  #10  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (dubya)

:iagree: :iagree:
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 08:10 PM
  #11  
PeterK's Avatar
PeterK
Thread Starter
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (Bill Curlee)

Wow, I always appriciate how quickly and intelegentlly this forum reponds.

So since it is not engine related - I'm gonna wait until the situation becomes worse. I presume that I'm not under any major risk?
Thanks
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 08:20 PM
  #12  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

Peter

I would take it in and make your complaint known! Get it on paper as to the severity of the problem when it ocurrs and what causes it.
If it get worse you have documented evidence of that and it will make a better case for replacement.
The noise is not normal and very distinct! If they say it normal take it to another dealer and get a second opinion.
Please keep us informed on how it turns out
Good luck!

Bill C
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2003 | 11:11 PM
  #13  
johnC5's Avatar
johnC5
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: La Jolla, CA
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

Wow, I always appriciate how quickly and intelegentlly this forum reponds.

So since it is not engine related - I'm gonna wait until the situation becomes worse. I presume that I'm not under any major risk?
Thanks
If it's the starter engaging and releasing rapidly, you could wear/break the starter/flywheel teeth... If the starter fails, you could end up stranded and need a flatbed (risking body damage).
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2003 | 09:20 AM
  #14  
dubya's Avatar
dubya
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: All Liberals must hang
St. Jude Contributor
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

Wow, I always appriciate how quickly and intelegentlly this forum reponds.

So since it is not engine related - I'm gonna wait until the situation becomes worse. I presume that I'm not under any major risk?
Thanks

Pete, I wouldn't wait. Bring those audio clips into the dealer and request a starter change-out under warranty. This would not take the dealer long to do and would give some piece of mind to all parties involved. At the least I would get something signed from the dealer stating they have heard your concerns. And Then I would find a new dealer. Even if you have to drive several hundred miles. Then I would write a certified letter to GM stating your concerns about the certified GM dealer. Just my .02. Hope this helps.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2003 | 10:48 AM
  #15  
PeterK's Avatar
PeterK
Thread Starter
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (dubya)

Wow, I always appriciate how quickly and intelegentlly this forum reponds.

So since it is not engine related - I'm gonna wait until the situation becomes worse. I presume that I'm not under any major risk?
Thanks

Pete, I wouldn't wait. Bring those audio clips into the dealer and request a starter change-out under warranty. This would not take the dealer long to do and would give some piece of mind to all parties involved. At the least I would get something signed from the dealer stating they have heard your concerns. And Then I would find a new dealer. Even if you have to drive several hundred miles. Then I would write a certified letter to GM stating your concerns about the certified GM dealer. Just my .02. Hope this helps.
Well, I've already tried and they said it is a normal noise and I shouldn't worry about it.:mad
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2003 | 11:04 AM
  #16  
dubya's Avatar
dubya
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 0
From: All Liberals must hang
St. Jude Contributor
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

Man that really sucks. My local dealer would have had it changed out already and would have thrown in a few free oil changes. That really sucks. :mad

Find a new dealer. Good luck on this one.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2003 | 11:38 AM
  #17  
PeterK's Avatar
PeterK
Thread Starter
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (dubya)

Well, I've tried ALL San Antonio GM dealers (all five of them) at one point or another and I'm not on speaking terms with most of them.
So I'm kind of SOL here, I guess I'll have to wait until it breaks down.

Man that really sucks. My local dealer would have had it changed out already and would have thrown in a few free oil changes. That really sucks. :mad

Find a new dealer. Good luck on this one.
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2003 | 09:55 PM
  #18  
BlackC5Vette's Avatar
BlackC5Vette
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

My cold starts, are starting to worry me to. For some reason it sounds a little louder than it used to. Hope its not a problems in the workings. :(
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2003 | 06:33 AM
  #19  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,065
Likes: 24,731
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default Re: Is it a normal cold engine noise? (PeterK)

It is truly amazing that every noise is always "normal" according to a dealer. Keep pressing the issue - it is not normal.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Is it a normal cold engine noise?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:02 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE