Engine Rattle at Idle (1 Viewer)

[DaveyBoy]

96 LC with 135k on the odo. Dealer changed oil 3000 miles ago
and I didn't have a rattle at idle. I just changed the oil myself using
the NAPA Gold (Wix) filter and Rotella T 15w 40 oil (dino)
Now it rattles at idle and you can hear mostly on the PS side
(underneath, more than in engine bay)

I've searched and came up with "start up rattles",
but nothing at idle. My idle is pretty darn smooth as well.

Should I just switch to a lighter oil?
Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[snowwolf]

I have the same tick over rattle, it does also depend on the angle of the car on the drive, if it angles forward it is worse than when angled back, strang I know, but sure is nothing to worry about.

 

[DaveyBoy]

One other data point. This is while sitting on a level surface.
Sounds like a diesel!!...not that I wouldn't rather have one of those,
given the gas prices

 

[semlin]

check the heat shields on your exhaust down pipes in front of the cats to see if they are loose at the top or bottom. they make a rattle more audible on the ps.

 

[DaveyBoy]

check the heat shields on your exhaust down pipes in front of the cats to see if they are loose at the top or bottom. they make a rattle more audible on the ps.

Thanks Semlin,
I did check those based on a thread search, but this sound is
definitely IN the engine rather than an outside rattle.

I think I'll change the oil again this weekend and use a different
weight...maybe even synth.

 

[semlin]

ok, well if it is inside your engine i doubt it is your oil. put a big screwdriver or wooden dowel against the engine when it is happening and put your ear against the other end and see if you can isolate the sound.

 

[miked]

I've got the same sound coming from my '96. I would call it diesel-esque. I've tried different wieght oils with little change in sound. It only does it when the engine is warmed up though. I've also heard this to a lesser extent on my friends '96. I don't worry about it much any more as it doesn't seem to be getting worse.

 

[Brian Macgyver]

Check your oil filter. Recommended is a large #8A, or a small one #3614? or so. With the optional large filter I have timing chain and rocker noise, with the little one it goes away. The small filter feeds quicker and more consistent pressure to tensioners and lifters.

 

[DaveyBoy]

Check your oil filter. Recommended is a large #8A, or a small one #3614? or so. With the optional large filter I have timing chain and rocker noise, with the little one it goes away. The small filter feeds quicker and more consistent pressure to tensioners and lifters.

I'm using the small one (51348 NAPA Gold)

The one I had on previously was the new Toyota one (90915-YZZD3)
When I say "it sounds like a diesel", I mean a pretty quiet one.
If the sound was there before, I never noticed, and now I do.
I also get that light rattle when getting back on the gas from a stop
but that goes away quick.

 

[semlin]

ok that last part with a rattle pulling away sounds like pinging. try running a tank of high octane gas and some techron from a chevron station and see if your noise goes away temporarily.