Hi,

I have a TW magna VR-X, and very disappointed with this particular "clack"-ing noise with such a new engine. It only happens when I have parked it for 8 or more hours. It onyl happens for the first 2 seconds and it feels like the oil flows through and lubricates the noise source; It is quiet and smooth as after that, all the way. This only started happening after I did a service with a mitsu dealer, and it started having really cold mornings since coincidently. They boast to have put in semi-syn 10-40 valvoline Durablend.

I am thinking 2 things:

1. Something has worn out and i need to seek attention (still have warranty)
2. the dealer put cheap oil by mistake (hence, cold flow is a problem) 20W-50 maybe.

Any thoughts anyone? any feedback will be appreciated

I suspect that a hydraulic lifter (use google, Wiki - also called a "tappet" in Oz) is no longer holding oil pressure - think this is happening in my TJ Sports (tho its at about 220K or more). Oil pressure once engine is started re-pressurises the lifter, and it resumes its role of taking-up the slack between camshaft and a particular Valve, via the rocker-arm.

Have a suspicion that tappets are bit of a weakness in these engines, its annoying more than serious (happy to be corrected if I am wrong about this).
If you have a warranty, I would be exploring that option for sure. Its a small part, not expensive in the big picture (seems a bit pricey for the size of it!!) and moderate hassle to renew it.

Pre tensioner?
Does it sound like a loose chain or something ratteling around inside?

It has been 3 days and that annoying sound I have not heard. It was an anomaly i think.... But now, it just gets me thinking... Why did it HAPPEN?? Oil Airlock? Does it ever happen?

It sounded more serious than a tappet.. tappets only go "tik tik tik", but the sound i got was " CLACK CLACK Clack Clack Cluck luck luck uck tk k kk..." then silent.

My TW VRX AWD used to do it mainly in cold weather. Dealer reckoned some do it some don't - said they had no fix for it. Sold the car now for a 380 VRX so I can't comment for this year coming into the cold weather!

youll prob find its the thinner oil used by the dealer, which doesnt cling to the engine components while switched off. The split second after start up noise is prior to oil flowing freely......

I've got a mate with a Gtvi 'rada that makes a brutal cold start noise. Turned out to be something chipping off inside the cat converter and bouncing around. if its engine related though, probably a lifter or something. Does it have good oil in it? that lucas oil stabilizer can help out with stuff like that

Sounds like a bit of muck in the lifter sounds like it has cleaned itself up.

If it comes back for a decent amount of time it may need a lifter fluid put in

I had that clatter from the lifters - but no more

I used Nulon 'lifter free' to clean the oil passages, then an oil change using Castrol 'Magnatec' for its molecular 'bonding properties'
Just make sure that you have an oil filter which incorporates an 'anti drain-back valve' described on the packaging
I was offered filters, both with and without this feature from a very reputable parts store

Cheers

In my TJ Sports, I have noticed a similar noise on start-up - but only if the car has been sitting for an unusually long period of time. Sports is usually my daily-driver and my KJ is the "good" car and only used on longer trips (where a bit more comfort and quieter ride are appreciated).

If the Sports is only sitting overnight etc - it seems to be fine. If I use the other car for a week or so, leaving the Sports sitting - I have only recently noticed the loud noise at start-up, which resolves when car starts and oil-pressure picks up. SO, I assume that a lifter/tappet is leaking oil as the car sits - not maintaining oil-pressure within the lifter itself, and so letting a degree of slop into the valve-train for that one valve. Once the car starts and oil pressure comes up, the lifter is filled with oil under pressure and takes-up the slack like it is meant to do.

Pretty sure I'm correct in this diagnosis for my car, cos as well as the racket of noise it also runs like crap that first couple of seconds (which makes sense to me if the valve isn't operating at quite the right timing due to no oil in lifter. What I haven't yet done is try to work-out which lifter is at-fault - am wondering if I'll buy a mechanics stethoscope (as I think a medical one from work will deafen me), or just go "by ear" or use a large screwdriver etc