I have an '03 Touring with 5AT, when I start the car first thing in the morning I hear major ratteling from engine, like loose rods or something then it goes away after a couple seconds. Is there a lack of oil on the first start of the day? Or do I have a serious problem? My car is garage kept also. thanks for any ideas

 

you sure its coming from the engine bay and not from below your car?

 

yes....its not the exhaust, i had my wife start the car while i was at the front

 

Sounds like clutch/flywheel rattle. One day I'm going to get around to making a "this is normal, do a search" inspirational poster.

 

i have an automatic

 

you STILL have a flywheel...called a flex plate, it is what the torque converter bolts to

 

could be the pump for your cats......my does it, as well as my audi. its for a split second and then it dies down...I think your fine.

 

same ole timing chain rattle that everyone complains about?

 

timing chain rattle huh? wow.....thats a possibility....... i dont think its coming from the cats, i had my head under the drivers door and it sounded like it came more from the engine area.......... thanks guys

 

I would guess it is the engine rattling untill the oil has time to work it's way up from the oil pan.

To test it out, after you drive the car, shut it off and restart it....the oil would still be coating the internals and you shouldn't hear the noise.

 

Timing chain tensioner runs on oil pressure. When you start it up after sitting, it takes a second for the tensioner to tighten the chain. The clank your hear is the chain hitting the inside of the timing cover.

 

+1 sound's like your tensioner's

 

I'm trying to trouble shoot this area for the longest time and was considering the tensioners. You think running thicker oil would solve the tensioner delay?

 

+2 I've been wondering what the hell that noise has been for a while now

 

Timing chain tensioner noise, like they said above, it takes a few seconds for the rattle to go away. Youll notice that you usually only hear this rattle first thing in the morning because if you turn the car off and then start the engine again it doesnt make the rattle sound.

 

hey guys if it is a Timing chain tensioner problem - Does it effect or a huge problem? if just left the car like that

 

If youve changed your oil on a regular basis you shouldnt have anything to worry about.