Cold startup engine noises

[Racerx88]

Ever since I got my car, it's had a very distinct cold start up noise in the mornings when it's first started for the day. It doesn't do it for the rest of the day. But the very next morning, after it's sat all night, it's back.

It sounds like very severe detonation, and it only last for a about a second and half, until I presume, oil pressure is up. I would venture to say it's probably piston slap.

I'm wondering if the thin oil used from the factory is contributing to the problem. Do any of the rest of you have this problem? I'll probably mention it when I take the car in for it's first oil change, but is it going to hurt anything if I wait another 2000 miles for that?

Opinions anybody?

[MarauderBoy]

Yeah, I get it too. It sounds like piston slap to me, Same noise I had on my '99 Expedition 5.4. F**d eventually, made some internal changes to solve the problem during production but there were plenty of cases where engines were replaced on those that didn't have the mod. Oil type had no impact on quieting this issue in the Expo but may be more effective here since the slap noise only occurs for mere seconds rather than the half a minute or longer on the 5.4. Has anyone considered a preluber?

[LincMercLover]

Hmm... mine doesn't. But I've noticed the car is much easier to start on colder days (or when the motor is totally cooled) than it is when it's warm, unlike all my other cars.

[FFracer]

Hmmmm I was getting ready to post on this as well. Mine started at 1800 miles or when it got colder 30 f at night. 1.5 second long clatter, chain tensioners? They are hydraulic with a check valve and ratchet deal. I sure don't like it!!

[Macon Marauder]

We've had a few mornings in the 30's down here now and I here it too (550 miles on the odo).

This is my third 4.6 and the only one that's ever made this noise. However, my Dad's 97 F-150 4.6 made the same or similar noise. It stopped when he switched to synthetic oil. I've been debating on whether to replace the Motorcraft synth blend with Mobil 1 to see if it made any difference or (like Racerx88) wait until my free oil change comes up at the dealer.

I suppose I'll monitor the sound and try to see if it gets any worse - or louder.

[Racerx88]

Well, I see I'm not alone at least. I guess I'll just make sure I mention it to the service guy at the free oil change. Like I said earlier, My Camaro SS did at almost every startup, and it didn't seem to do any harm. The car just kept getting stronger and stronger. Hopefully the Marauder will do the same!

[Macon Marauder]

And another thing:

I've noticed that I can't hear the noise AT ALL if I'm in the car with the doors closed. In fact, my wife hasn't even noticed it when she's driven the MM.

Some mornings I start the car with the driver's side door open while I wait for my son to board. That's the only time I hear it.

So... not sure if that means anything or not. Maybe it's happening to more cars and the driver just can't hear it? Or maybe mine's just a tad quieter? Anyway, I'm gonna be real upset if it gets louder.

[Racerx88]

I hear it everytime I start the car. It's just louder when the engine is totally cold. Tonight when I left work, it was REAL loud. It may be my paranoid imagination, but I think it's getting louder. It doesn't help any that when you start the thing the engine immediately races up to 2000rpm! You'd think the programming would let the oil pressure build up before the ignition comes in.

Do the oil filters used on our engines have an anti-drain back valve in them? My Buicks have all had filters mounted horizontally like the MM, and they all used filters with anti-drain back valves to prevent dry startups.

Does anybody know?