Technical Strange noise at start up

[tomdriscoll]

I have a 1.4l 8v, and often after start up, especially when it's cold, the engine sounds rough, with a mechanical noise (tappets?) which varies with engine speed.

Once the engine is warm, everything sounds fine.

Is this a common problem/anything to worry about? What might it be?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[AgnessGP]

Hi mate,

Dont worry.

This happens on a lot of cars, mine too, and is usually because the oil (when cold or below effective running temperature) will not run as freely and hence the engine is not well lubricated when started.

worst case is worn valves, but I highly doubt it.

Nothing to worry about mate in my opinion

 

[tazjet]

What type of oil do you use?Do you check the oil level? (in case it is mostly at the lowest level)

 

[tomdriscoll]

I last put oil in it late November/early December, 1l of Shell Helix 5w-40 (i believe, got the stuff the handbook states). At that point the oil level was near the bottom (about 3 or 4mm by memory) of the flat section of the dip-stick.

I have only really noticed this this winter so it may be tied to the cold weather.

 

[tazjet]

Try to keep it at the 'max' level and check it often to see how much oil consumption you have/1000miles for example