355 Engine noise when cold?
Discussion
I tested a potential 355 spider purchase and the engine was fine on start up, the seller (dealer) then took us out and from cold gave it the full beans several times (why?? I have no idea.....), then offered me the drive.
Before taking the wheel I popped the lid and the engine at idle was giving off a slight knock/slap. In steady rhythm - and not a tap.
I then drove gently until she was properly warmed up before giving her a blast. Pulling into the garage afterward and letting it tickover the noise had gone, and the seller gave it full revs stationary, blipping through various engine speeds so I could check the exhaust.
At no point was there any smoke or struggling to idle or crazy oil pressure
The engine pulled smooth and true and performance was right.
Any opinions on whether the cold thrashing could create a temporary oil starvation or something that might have caused the knock I heard? If it were a private seller I wouldn't even consider it but I think this dealer is genuinely unaware of the error of his ways.......and I don't think hes been out in the car many times!
Before taking the wheel I popped the lid and the engine at idle was giving off a slight knock/slap. In steady rhythm - and not a tap.
I then drove gently until she was properly warmed up before giving her a blast. Pulling into the garage afterward and letting it tickover the noise had gone, and the seller gave it full revs stationary, blipping through various engine speeds so I could check the exhaust.
At no point was there any smoke or struggling to idle or crazy oil pressure
The engine pulled smooth and true and performance was right.
Any opinions on whether the cold thrashing could create a temporary oil starvation or something that might have caused the knock I heard? If it were a private seller I wouldn't even consider it but I think this dealer is genuinely unaware of the error of his ways.......and I don't think hes been out in the car many times!
Testing my memory here but it could have been something to do with the cold air circuit - as I recall there's a pump that can be noisy - your description isn't the easiest so it could alternatively just have been something like the a/c drive belt which I think sometimes can whir a bit on start-up
There could be any one of a number of issues that could cause such a noise. If you are serious about buying it, get an inspection as some of the issues are costly to fix. Common issues;
1. Exhaust bypass valve rattling. Common when cold, as they heat up and expand the noise goes away-relatively cheap fix, wobbling the actuator lever on the valve while it is cold will prove either way.
2. Oil pump chain tensioner. Again, only while cold, expensive to put right and ruinous if it fails.
3. Exhaust manifolds cracked. Can also cause fuelling issues leading to excessive engine wear if not rectified.
4. Alternator belt tensioner bearing-cheap fix.
5. Hydraulic lifter. If it's just from lack of use then driving it may get rid of the noise, but they are also prone to failure and replacements are hard to come by and expensive to fit
1. Exhaust bypass valve rattling. Common when cold, as they heat up and expand the noise goes away-relatively cheap fix, wobbling the actuator lever on the valve while it is cold will prove either way.
2. Oil pump chain tensioner. Again, only while cold, expensive to put right and ruinous if it fails.
3. Exhaust manifolds cracked. Can also cause fuelling issues leading to excessive engine wear if not rectified.
4. Alternator belt tensioner bearing-cheap fix.
5. Hydraulic lifter. If it's just from lack of use then driving it may get rid of the noise, but they are also prone to failure and replacements are hard to come by and expensive to fit
Edited by Cerberaherts on Tuesday 20th January 23:06
Thanks guys for the responses
Is certainly wasn't a whir or buzz - I would say it was electrical in any way.
Dry Tappets - I would have thought would be more of a 'chatter'? more akin to making the car sound like a diesel for a few seconds? This was a slower mild knock.
Exhaust bypass valve - definitely not. I know this sound.
Oil pump chain tensioner - if this were failing, would the noise disappear when warm? I would have thought it would get noisier if anything? Would it be in rhythm or random/intermittent?
Manifold Crack - would this sound like a knock? Possibly I suppose. Again - would it abate when hot?
Alternator belt tensioner - again would this be in rhythm?
Hydraulic lifter - I have no idea what these are!
I would have an indie look at it, but this could prove problematic unless someone can point me at someone genuinely trusted near Milan.......
Is certainly wasn't a whir or buzz - I would say it was electrical in any way.
Dry Tappets - I would have thought would be more of a 'chatter'? more akin to making the car sound like a diesel for a few seconds? This was a slower mild knock.
Exhaust bypass valve - definitely not. I know this sound.
Oil pump chain tensioner - if this were failing, would the noise disappear when warm? I would have thought it would get noisier if anything? Would it be in rhythm or random/intermittent?
Manifold Crack - would this sound like a knock? Possibly I suppose. Again - would it abate when hot?
Alternator belt tensioner - again would this be in rhythm?
Hydraulic lifter - I have no idea what these are!
I would have an indie look at it, but this could prove problematic unless someone can point me at someone genuinely trusted near Milan.......
I would love to and have done for myself but I wouldnt want to put my knowledge to the test with someones elses money.
Cerberaherts seems a nice knowledgable guy with extensive engine knowledge which is what you need.
Tim at walkersport also very helpfull - not sure if a one man band.
Roger at TFC maybe able to spare someone.
Cerberaherts seems a nice knowledgable guy with extensive engine knowledge which is what you need.
Tim at walkersport also very helpfull - not sure if a one man band.
Roger at TFC maybe able to spare someone.
If you have emailed it may well have gone to junk mail so dont despare.
I think there may have been some issues with pistonheads email system as I got a response re a Gallardo I enquired about begining of Dec only a few days ago, the dealer told me they suddenly got 50 odd emails all in one batch.
I think there may have been some issues with pistonheads email system as I got a response re a Gallardo I enquired about begining of Dec only a few days ago, the dealer told me they suddenly got 50 odd emails all in one batch.
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