Weird clicking noise on cold start

[carsonstanfield]

Since this winter started, I’ve been getting a weird clicking noise on cold start. I track it down to seems like the right side of the engine bay. It seems to go away as it warms up. I have also noticed that when I turn the steering wheel sharp I get a little whining from the power steering pump so I don’t know if that’s a cause. On top of all this, I notice that during driving it’s like the engine is clicking as well, same situation does it more when it’s cold. Oil doesn’t have 3,000 on it yet maybe like 1,500. Just checked oil level too and it’s within the safe mark. I’m kind of lost here and would appreciate any help in some diagnosis.

 

[jamesbeat]

I'll start by saying that I am in Wisconsin, so it gets VERY cold here.
I have this same issue with the engine making all sorts of horrible rattling and tapping sounds when first started in cold weather.
My theory is just that it is so cold that the oil is too thick to make it around the engine quick enough, and a lot of the parts are getting little to no lubrication for the first couple of minutes after starting the engine.

This could also cause the power steering to whine, because the fluid is more viscous when it is cold, and would put more strain on the pump.

I also have a constant ticking sound while I'm driving, even after the engine has warmed up and settled down. However, I recently realized that this is because of the blower fan! I know this because the sound speeds up or slows down as I change the fan speed. Must be something caught in there I guess. Maybe that's what's causing the clicking sound in yours too?

 

[carsonstanfield]

I should add, I’m not certain the noise while driving is coming from the engine itself. It could be the flange connection from the aftermarket exhaust, we have had problems with exhaust leaks from it in the past. Also vehicle only has about 82k on it and I always warm it up till at least a 1/4 or operating temp. Also just did radiator and thermostat same time as oil.

 

[carsonstanfield]

I'll start by saying that I am in Wisconsin, so it gets VERY cold here.
I have this same issue with the engine making all sorts of horrible rattling and tapping sounds when first started in cold weather.
My theory is just that it is so cold that the oil is too thick to make it around the engine quick enough, and a lot of the parts are getting little to no lubrication for the first couple of minutes after starting the engine.

This could also cause the power steering to whine, because the fluid is more viscous when it is cold, and would put more strain on the pump.

I also have a constant ticking sound while I'm driving, even after the engine has warmed up and settled down. However, I recently realized that this is because of the blower fan! I know this because the sound speeds up or slows down as I change the fan speed. Must be something caught in there I guess. Maybe that's what's causing the clicking sound in yours too?

That does sound like a possible cause, it’s weird that it’s never done it any other winters except this one. Just did radiator so that could be something that is touching since we put back in. The power steering kind of does this in the warm too.

 

[ltd02]

My 02 did that clicking. In my case It was the timing chain tensioners pumping up. I changed tensioners and guides while doing an HG replacement and the noise stopped. Lash adjusters can get lazy too. Cold just makes it noticeable. 05 was pretty quiet except for the brief rattle after not running for a few days. Pretty much normal to me.

 

[carsonstanfield]

My 02 did that clicking. In my case It was the timing chain tensioners pumping up. I changed tensioners and guides while doing an HG replacement and the noise stopped. Lash adjusters can get lazy too. Cold just makes it noticeable. 05 was pretty quiet except for the brief rattle after not running for a few days. Pretty much normal to me.

So is this something I should worry about since it started now?

 

[ltd02]

I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep an ear on it and see if it gets louder. Mine eventually became a chain rattle/slap noise after a few years. Mine was over 160k at the time.