rattle at idle ford escort zx2 ztec

my 1999 ford escort has a rattle seems to be coming from engine at idle. when vehicle warms up it gets less noticeable. i bought this car used so i dont have a lot of history. any trends on this engine i should check first? i thought of trying some lucas oil treatment to see if it helps just to narrow it down. also didnt know if a convertor could be the problem. thanks

My guess would be that the accessory belt might be a little loose. If you just got a used car and are not sure about the maintenance history, get yourself an oil change, change oil, air, and fuel filters, and the accessory drive belt. Spark plugs and wires would be good too.

Aside from doing that stuff... if you just want to locate the rattle, start the car up when cold, pop the hood, and go look around.

Are you sure its not a heat shield?

Most shops will check noises for free or for a minimal charge which they will tell you when you bring it in.

I second the heat shield opinion. Usually one of the first things to loosen up and rattle.

i did all mentioned maintance after i bought it. also top tuned and de carbonized engine. lucas oil treatment did quiet noise down, i guess it is in the engine.

That can't be good!

maybe loose rocker arms?

thanks for all the help to everyone that replied. i have another post on this car and basically i changed oil and went with 10 w 30. noise a little more noticeable now. also with slight acceleration. i guess i will run it till it worst.

i'm with them check your heat shield. but it is possable that it might be a push rod or the rocker arm.