Engine noise when cold?
Discussion
From a cold start, I've always had a bit of a knocking noise from the engine, that gradually dissapears once it's up to normal operating temps. It's mainly heard at lower revs when accelerating gently (as one does with a cold engine). I can't hear anything odd at idle at all. It may just be my imagination, or the cold mornings, but it seems to be getting more noticeable. Is this a 'feature' of the engine, or is something wrong? 
Thankyou!
Thankyou!
A knocking at low revs when accelerating is not good!!! Get your mains and most likely big end bearings checked ASAP. Others may be able to say if its a known week point as I read somewhere on here that others have had bearing failure. What ever you do dont drive it! or you will score the crank!
On cold mornings mine has a noticeable rattle. It worried me somewhat when I first got the car but a brief spell on Google seemed to suggest that the noises I was hearing were all normal, especially as they disappear by the time I've made it to the end of the road.
I think the key thing here is whether it's a "deep" knocking sound you're getting or just the usual, run-of-the-mill clatter that these engines seem to make when first started.
I think the key thing here is whether it's a "deep" knocking sound you're getting or just the usual, run-of-the-mill clatter that these engines seem to make when first started.
Mine's the LS2, and as I say, it just sounds "harsh" when it's stone cold. I know what a knocking end would sound like and it's definitely not that - if I had to guess I'd say it was more top-end noise. After 2 or 3 miles when it's properly warmed up, the noise disappears completely anyway.
Piston slap! Bearing noise generally gets worse once the oil warms up and gets thinner. As with the LS1 the you occasionally get an LS2 with quite noticeable piston slap that generally disappears after a few miles.
Although I'm sure it will never be a problem if it worries you I'd get it to the dealer to get it fixed while under warranty.
Although I'm sure it will never be a problem if it worries you I'd get it to the dealer to get it fixed while under warranty.
Thanks for all the replies people. To fill in the blanks, it's a VXR 500, so LS2, and has done it since I've had it. Only when the engine is cold is this noise noticeable. It gradually gets quieter as engine temp rises, so that by the time it's at normal running temps, it's not audible at all. Oil is in good condition, and has been changed at least twice since I've had it, from 1000 miles, to the 9000 it's on now. It's one of those things that you notice at the time, and then forget about because everything seems to return to normal after a short while.
It's definately your 'deeper' sounding knock, and not top end noisy.
Oil as supplied by Lookers in Warrington appears to be Shell Helix Ultra AG, which is 5W-30 it seems.
It's definately your 'deeper' sounding knock, and not top end noisy.
Oil as supplied by Lookers in Warrington appears to be Shell Helix Ultra AG, which is 5W-30 it seems.
Does the ls2 engine have hydraulic tappets? I have assumed the tapping I get when cold is down to these building up to full pressure? I had this noise when I used to run an old Rover V8 and assumed that noise when the engine is cold is coming from the same source. Once warm it is fine
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