clattering on start-up

[98SF19]

I think I'm due for a post as it's been a few months . . .

I couldn't find much info here that was specific to Gen3, but I've been noticing a brief clatter on startup in the mornings. From what I have found here, it's likely 1 of 2 things: either the rod bearings are getting worn or the timing chain is slapping the covers as the oil pressure builds. I did come across a post that mentioned valve lash adjustments, which I do not believe has ever been done on my car (unless it's part of dealer's 90k service). Info on that would be nice.

FYI, the car is due for an oil change here pretty soon, and I haven't checked oil levels in months! There was a mention of adding Lucas oil stabilizer when changing oil, and that that might provide a solution.

Thanks

 

[jimtash]

Mine always does it but goes away a soon at the rod bearings get oil. It's normal from what I can tell.

 

[SHOdded]

What oil filter are you using? Sometimes reverting to the Motorcraft filter has helped reduce/eliminate startup noise in various gen SHOs.

 

[98SF19]

Currently using K&N oil filter with Motorcraft 5w-30 synth blend.
But I'm unclear on how using a different oil filter would alleviate any of the possible causes described above, unless there's one that I missed.

Wouldn't this sound indicate a short period of significant wear on the rod bearings? Most of us start our vehicles at least 10 times per week, which equates to ~ 520 times per year that the short period of an under-lubricated high-wear condition would occur.

I may try the Lucas oil stuff. Heck, they have a stadium named after them so their product's gotta be good . . . . right?

 

[notbange]

Using a filter with a quality anti drain back valve so the filter is not being filled on each start is why one should use a quality filter. I have no experience with using k&n filters but at the price they charge I'd hope it's decent. On my 93 3.2 it clatters on cold starts from the chain tensioner fwiw.

 

[jimtash]

Don't add anything that thickens the oil. That's the last thing you want to do.

I wouldn't be too concerned about it. The second or two the bearings are without oil at start up won't hurt them. There's no load on the engine.

 

[stephen newberg]

Mine has over 200k on the clock and has had a slight and brief clatter as oil pressure builds on startup since it was new. No problems from it yet. Add me to the group that does not think this is of concern.

pax, smn

 

[AREA 91]

You can try "priming" the engine before you start it.
Floor the gas to cut the injectors off, and crank it over for a few seconds.
Stop. Lift off the gas, and start normally. Did the sound go away?

 

[98SF19]

I appreciate the info. Nothing like a little reassurance.

Oil filter - I try to buy Motorcraft products when it's sensible to do so. I only have the k&n currently since it was part of a deal at the store. Nevertheless, from the test reviews I've seen, the k&n's rank right up at the top, thus very unlikely that they're lacking in any way compared to OEM.

Stephen, colder climate notwithstanding, I wouldn't expect you or anybody to accept as normal the sounds coming from my motor at start-up. There's nothing slight about it. I don't hear this racket on any other cars, much less older cars. Either way, an oil change is right around the corner, and I may just go with the Motorcraft filter if there's no deal for the k&n.

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[kevinspann]

I second or third the Motorcraft filter suggestion.

 

[stephen newberg]

OK, so apparently it is much louder than we were getting from your earlier posts. Did you try the priming technique noted just above your last post? If so, what were the results?

pax, smn

 

[98SF19]

Did the sound go away?

It did. Actually, it's not totally gone, but isn't very noticeable - likely what was assumed by my original post. Sorry I took so long to reply. I kept forgetting to get a good listen with the door open in the mornings.

 

[98SF19]

Final note

After a few days of Motorcraft filter and 5w-30 synth blend, my morning start-ups are completely clatter-free. As I was removing the K&N filter, I noticed that it was considerably longer than the Motorcraft. So I wondered if that had something to do with it. Doesn't matter really; I'll be going with the OEM from now on.

 

[sperold]

All filters are getting shorter. An old Motorcraft filter is longer than the one they sell today.
It is probably the check valve (which the Motorcraft has) that makes the difference.
And don't be afraid to try a 10 W 30 oil in the future, especially in the synthetic.

 

[Ian Macoomb]

Its the hydraulic timing chain tensioner. Don't worry aboot it.

 

[kevinspann]

The motorcraft has a silicone anti-drainback valve - not sure what the K&N uses. The rubber ones tend to not work as well as they age.

I swapped from an FL1-A to the smaller FL400S on my SOHC Explorer - start up rattle also went away. The FL1-A is bigger, the FL400S is better. Size isn't everything.