Cold Start Up Noise for 60 seconds

[saffellinni]

I was wondering if anybody had a suggestion for this problem?

I just bought a 1993 Buick Lesabre Limited (showroom condition) with 47k.

V6 3800, FWD, Auto Trans 4T60-E, New: bosch-2 platinum plugs, Transmission service, Oil change, Fuel filter.

When I start the engine in the morning there is a slightly noticable noise coming from under the car. Sounds like (tuk..tuk..tuk..tuk..tuk). And only last about 60 seconds.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...ex.cfm/id/2028
Has Troubleshooting information near the middle of the page, but I would like any one of the opinions on this forum. I have just registered but have read many posts, finding the people on this form very knowledgable.


If someone would like to comment I would be very grateful!

[auto trainy]

Just a thought,GM motors run better with Delco plugs I know from years of experience..

[buickmastermind]

Just to get some more info, a few questions...
1. If you increase the throttle, does the noise speed up as well?
2. When you first start the car, it idles higher than usual. when the idle begins to drop, does the noise begin to go away?
3. What does the temperature guage read when the noise ceases (if you have one) ?
4. What kind of oil was used? 10w-30? 20w-30? 10w-40?
5. What is the oil level? Top, middle, or bottom of the area with the criss-cross pattern?
6. If you can, locate the area the sound is coming from.

[avatar307]

Another user here (I believe with a like year model LeSabre as you) reported negative engine behavior and performance after installing Bosch Platniums in his engine. He said that as soon as her replaced them with AC Delco plugs, the engine immediately ran better.

Sounds stupid, and like something you would hear from you Dealer, but that seems to be the current concensous around here.

Beyond that, another use reported that plantium actually has a larger electrical resistance than copper. And that the Bosch+4 plugs actually block the flow of air to the plug and thus the ability to achieve a good ignition.

Beyond that, it largely depends on the type of noise, how loud it is, and aproximately where it is coming from. There is a good chance what you are hearing is the valve lifter arms clanking. After the engine has cooled off, the oil has drained back into the pan. When starting your engine, especially when cold, there is a brief delay before oil can reach the top of headers and fully lubricate the engine.

[saffellinni]

Originally Posted by avatar307

There is a good chance what you are hearing is the valve lifter arms clanking. After the engine has cooled off, the oil has drained back into the pan. When starting your engine, especially when cold, there is a brief delay before oil can reach the top of headers and fully lubricate the engine.

Thanks for all of your replies.

Where is your pic Dude?

The noise did not arive after I changed the AC Delco plugs to Bosch+2, after I purchased the vehicle approximately 15 days ago.

It is very likely that the noise is the "valve lifter arms clanking". If this was in fact the cause of the noise what must be done to fix it?

[avatar307]

The tac-tac-tac noise from valve lifters is normal and does not indicate a problem. If you spent the money to replace all the lifters, there is a chance it would be quieter, at least for a time.

You can hear this noise better if you open the oil fill port on the front of the engine. Directly below the valve cover are the valve lifter assemblies. You'll be able to see them move and hear them clacking as the camshaft strikes each lifter pin, which contacts the lifter arm, which opens and closes the piston valves.

Now if the noise is loud enough that you can hear it with the hood closed... then I would say it is a more serious problem that deserves looking into. Usually whenever you can close the hood and a noise is loud enough that you can identify a specific noise seperate from any others, there's a good chance something is low on fluid or getting ready to die.

Then again, that's just my opinion, and I tend to be paranoid. I have yet to have anything actually break on my 1995 (175k)....