Knock on passenger
#1
Knock on passenger
Whenever I start my car from a cold start, I can hear a knock coming from the top of the engine on the passenger side. When the car gets to the ~195 temp range its not as noticeable. Any ideas?
95 3.4L
Jordan
95 3.4L
Jordan
#3
Is the noise really a knock, a heavy, deep sound? A knock usually come from the bottom end.
A lighter, sharper sound that comes from the top of the engine is usually called a tap. Think of the sound made if you tap a bolt against a pane of glass. That type of noise is usually a valvetrain problem. As Massey says a lifter with dirt in it is possible. This moise is most common following a cold start when the lifter needs to fill up with oil. The tap usually shows up suddenly and can persist or can disappear just as quickly.
If a cam lobe has worn away (or a pushrod tip) the noise will increase gradually.
An engine oil analysis (by a company like Blackstone Labs) will tell you a lot about what's going on in there. Coolant? Steel powder? Bearing material? Cast iron powder?
A lighter, sharper sound that comes from the top of the engine is usually called a tap. Think of the sound made if you tap a bolt against a pane of glass. That type of noise is usually a valvetrain problem. As Massey says a lifter with dirt in it is possible. This moise is most common following a cold start when the lifter needs to fill up with oil. The tap usually shows up suddenly and can persist or can disappear just as quickly.
If a cam lobe has worn away (or a pushrod tip) the noise will increase gradually.
An engine oil analysis (by a company like Blackstone Labs) will tell you a lot about what's going on in there. Coolant? Steel powder? Bearing material? Cast iron powder?
#5
I think i have the same problem, It's, as you said, more like a tap, from the passenger side, but not from the top, but like middle. It comes only after a cold start, and would be unnoticeable after you drive for like 400-500ft or so. Is there anyway to check what it is easily?
#7
I had a slight tap on start up. I just did a oil change and it went away. You might be using too thick of an oil and thats why its no lubing right. On my friends mx5 he had a loud tap which was consistent at all rpms and after doing an oil change it went away asap as well.
EDIT: Even if your dipstick says full do an oil change because those damn dipsticks have lied to me numerous times.
EDIT: Even if your dipstick says full do an oil change because those damn dipsticks have lied to me numerous times.
Last edited by RFxCamaro; 11-24-2010 at 11:30 AM.