Rattling noise on cold start from the engine

J

jasons8846

Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2020
Messages
10
Reaction score
2
Hi

I found on my 2012 ford figo when I start the car in the mornings, it makes a rattling noise almost like keys rattling. After about 2-3 mins when the engine is warmer the noise goes away.

But before I noticed when the A/C is on as well on cold start, it makes the noise but when I turn off the A/C the noise is gone (or softer). Recently however I noticed with the A/C on or off I still get the noise. I am also not sure if it is the serpentine belts but according to my understanding it is due for a change because it is 5 years ago that the serpentine belt and timing belt where changed, but less than the 100 000 kms (only 60 000 kms since last change).

What could cause a rattling sound like rattling keys?
 
jasons8846 said:
Hi

I found on my 2012 ford figo when I start the car in the mornings, it makes a rattling noise almost like keys rattling. After about 2-3 mins when the engine is warmer the noise goes away.

But before I noticed when the A/C is on as well on cold start, it makes the noise but when I turn off the A/C the noise is gone (or softer). Recently however I noticed with the A/C on or off I still get the noise. I am also not sure if it is the serpentine belts but according to my understanding it is due for a change because it is 5 years ago that the serpentine belt and timing belt where changed, but less than the 100 000 kms (only 60 000 kms since last change).

What could cause a rattling sound like rattling keys?
Click to expand...
Are you referring to this:

1656317336342.png

Because when they were alive these were known to rattle.
 
Inspect your belts for damage. It is normal wear and tear components and should be replaced as per the manufacturers recommended intervals.
 
Your oil properties changes when its cold its more thicker , so your engine will take about 2 to 3 seconds for the oil to circulate anything longer than 10 seconds you should worry 2 to 3 seconds is within specs.
 
Check your cam belt tensioner,

or like already posted, might be a lifter issue, when last did you do an oil change? and what oil was put in? might be a bit thick when the car starts and is cold...
 
I took it to a mechanic about 3 months ago who said he could not find much wrong but it seems the oil takes a while to go through the engine and thus I got the oil and oil filter changed and replaced it with Castrol Magnetic 5w30 full synthetic. Replacing the oil did not make much of a difference.

But I will take it back and will definitely change the belts, but will also ask to check the pulleys.
 
jasons8846 said:
I took it to a mechanic about 3 months ago who said he could not find much wrong but it seems the oil takes a while to go through the engine and thus I got the oil and oil filter changed and replaced it with Castrol Magnetic 5w30 full synthetic. Replacing the oil did not make much of a difference.

But I will take it back and will definitely change the belts, but will also ask to check the pulleys.
Click to expand...
Is 5W30 your manufacturers recommended spec or did you just decide to use that?
 
Sounds like belts more than an oil problem. Rattling like keys indicates wear and friction.
 
jasons8846 said:
I took it to a mechanic about 3 months ago who said he could not find much wrong but it seems the oil takes a while to go through the engine and thus I got the oil and oil filter changed and replaced it with Castrol Magnetic 5w30 full synthetic. Replacing the oil did not make much of a difference.

But I will take it back and will definitely change the belts, but will also ask to check the pulleys.
Click to expand...

Check the exact oil specification for your engine and not just the viscosity. If you have a timing belt you need replaced make sure all idlers, tensioners, rollers, etc. are replaced at the same time.
 
Aghori said:
Sounds like belts more than an oil problem. Rattling like keys indicates wear and friction.
Click to expand...

When I had a strange 'rattle' that turned out to be related to a belt, it was only evident at a specific rpm range and went 'away' above or below the rpm range. It was basically the belt 'flapping' because we forgot to replace a tensioner when I had the belt changed.
 
Bit of a preventative measure that wont hurt to do:

Completely flush and replace engine oil. You could have some petrol/AF mixed in the oil making it go off.
 
Nithan15 said:
Is 5W30 your manufacturers recommended spec or did you just decide to use that?
Click to expand...

5W30 is a bit too thin for our climate, especially if you live inland in winter. I guess it's ok for the coast, but in summer you need to go with 5W40 for the coast because of the heat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X