Knock Knock... 2001 3.2L Questions

Hi,

I have a 2001 3.2l Intrepid and it has this strange issue. On cold mornings when started it makes a strange knocking sound. The sound is very random and not in rhythm with the idle. It sounds like it is coming from the crankcase (I guess) but it is definetly metal to metal. It almost sounds like someone hitting the block with a small hammer. But once the car is warm, POOF it's gone. Someone has said it might be my AC motor and something to do with the defrost.

Any ideas.

Also, my transmision seems to be doing a little searching here and there, any known remedies besides big bucks? The car has 106k on it.

Thanks

Steve.

purge solenoids have been known to make noise on these vehicles

There is a TSB on the head clatter on start-up with the 3.2/5 engines. I just pretend I dont hear it! I'm picking up a set of used heads to go off to the machine shop anyhow and plan on using the revised parts. Ill post the tsb when I find it.

Edit-
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SERVICE BULLETIN 09-005-03 DATED
NOVEMBER 21, 2003, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES.
ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDES
AN ADDITIONAL VEHICLE MODEL AND YEARS.
SUBJECT:
Short Duration Cold Engine Start-up Ticking Like Sound
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing the swivel pads and swivel pad retainer
on the exhaust rocker arms.
MODELS:
1998 - **2004** (LH) 300M/Concorde/Intrepid/LHS
2004 (CS) Pacifica
**1999 - 2002 (PR) Prowler**
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built prior to March 31, 2003
(MDH 0331xx) equipped with a 3.2L or 3.5L engine (sales codes EGC,
EGE, EGG, EGJ, EGK, EGN AND EGW).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Engine ticking like sound after a cold engine start-up. The ticking like
sound may only last 2 to 3 seconds.