Engine Noise Assist Needed Pls

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Joined
Sep 19, 2015
Threads
27
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104
Location
USA
Our 1998 LC has been rotated from the garage to the driveway and it's not happy. We live in snow country and night temps have been in the 20's... and there's been a few times when starting up after sitting overnight there's been a loud tap/knock from the engine. Sounds like it's direct center but hard to say exactly as it lasts maybe 4-8 seconds max.. Wondering if it's a valve problem, the kind where major work is needed or something an adjustment would take care of. Engine normally runs great, even with 278k miles. I understand diagnosing engine noises on the internet is impossible but I'm looking for ideas on where to start to get this figured out and taken care of. Thanks for the help.
 
Engines makes all kinds of noises when its relatively cold. Because metal shrinks and expands, the internal components are designed to be "tight" at operating temperature. If it doesn't do it when outside temperatures are warm or when it's warmed up, I personally wouldn't worry too much about it.
 
one other thing to check and only because I just had to do it at 203K

My fan bracket bearing bit the dust and it started with random knocking sounds when cold. And then it became more frequent as time went on.
If you grab the fan when the motor is off :) and engine is cool grab the shaft or where the 4 nuts are behind the radiator fan clutch and see if there is any wobble and hope there is none.

If it gets worse or constant to replace it is about 1/2 way to changing the timing belt so may as well do the belt and pump while in there if its almost due.
 
Could be exhaust manifold gaskets. My mechanic said that is what my noise is. Not bad enough to do anything yet and only happens if I park outside and its real cold.
 
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