Scrufy

Warren I wonder if synthetic oil would help the noise at start up?

WarrenW

That's what the Syntec is. I've been using it since my 1st oil change.

Warren

Smoothieboy

Mine does the same thing at startup for a minute or so. Not loud, but there's a rattling sound that eventually disappears. The oil level is topped off. I've wondered about this, but it sounds like it may be normal.

mellowhead

I too have a rattle that is really starting to annoy me. The noise always happens when the engine is warm. At startup you may hear the rattle, but it immediately goes away. Usually as soon as the engine is warm it will start rattleing, but of course not always. You can hear it very loudly when under 2, 000rpms after which it goes away or just cannot be heard, and if you hang it at around 1, 500 it is loud and very distinguishable. I have read all the posts about the tensioner rattles, and one thing I can add is very very odd to me. When at a stop, and the rattle is present, all I have to do is pop the hood and pull on the throttle cable just enough to hear the rattle get louder and then it is suddenly gone. WTF would cause the rattle to go away just by popping the hood and touching the cable for about three seconds and then all is good

Any ideas. Sounds like it is coming from around the block, but cannot be sure.

WarrenW

Mellowhead,
That sound you hear may be the heat shield around the muffler or cat. I'm getting a slight rattle that sounds exactly the way you describe. I haven't had time to check it out yet, but I'm sure that's what it is.

Warren

mxt_77

Yours sounds like a Timing Chain Tensioner. Try not to hijack this thread, though.


To the OP, you haven't really ruled out the TCT, either. I'd recommend getting an automotive stethoscope (or similar device) and finding the source of the noise while the engine is running. Once you find its location, you're more likely to be able to diagnose it.

mellowhead

No hijacking here. I didn't want to start a new post on exactly the same subject

PoweredByCamry

If it happens only when hot, I'd guess timing chain autotensioner.

If it happens only when cold, could be valves out of adjustment or something else.

In my case it was intermittent and happened only when hot, changed the tensioner and it was gone.

Peter