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Clicking sound from the engine at cold start

Old 03-29-2007, 04:43 PM
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Default Clicking sound from the engine at cold start

When I start my 95 SSE in the morning I hear a distinct, worrying clicking from the engine. :(
The clicking sound is synchronized with the RRM. The sound goes a way after just a few minutes.

My guess is that is one of the valves that emits the sound, but I’ve got no clue why it goes away when the engine is getting warm.
Any idea what it might bee and what I should do about it?
Old 03-29-2007, 04:54 PM
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It'* either the normal function of your evap purge solenoid (which for some odd reason is easier to hear when cold) or a sticky lifter. Even a lifter wouldn't be too much cause for concern for some time.

Can you narrow the noise down to a specific area and get back to us?
Old 03-29-2007, 06:22 PM
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Lifter
Old 03-29-2007, 06:42 PM
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Keep in mind we can't make that diagnosis just yet. The evap purge solenoid cycles when the engine is cold. Many members only notice it when the weather is cold. We need a better idea of the area of the engine the noise is coming from.
Old 03-29-2007, 07:18 PM
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I understand

Vidovic, how cold is it when you start the car, last time of oil change and weight of oil.

And do you have a check engine light?
Old 03-31-2007, 03:37 AM
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First, thanks for your replies!

I live in Sweden and it tends to be pretty cold in the winter. But spring is one month early this year. I’ve checked the temperature this morning and it was 41F (5C).

The oil level is okay and the colour isn’t too black. I change oil last summer, but I only drive my car in the weekends. The Check engine lamp is not on.

How do I check the weight of the oil and what for?
Old 03-31-2007, 05:43 AM
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By weight they mean viscosity. 10W-30 is normal for here, But suspect you've got something thinner in there. It would be marked on the bottle of oil you put in.
Old 03-31-2007, 10:30 AM
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Considering your climate, you might be better with 5W-30 oil.
Old 03-31-2007, 11:25 AM
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I've recorded a video clip with sound so that you can here the clicks for your self. I've noticed that the sound disappears over 2000 rpm.

5W feels familiar. That is what we use here.

http://hem.bredband.net/sebvid/video...ing_engine.AVI
(2 mb, windows media player)
Old 03-31-2007, 11:34 AM
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That'* a valve lifter. If it were a broken spring or rocker arm, it would do it all the time. Time to replace the lifters.

EDIT. You need to upgrade to the APN upper intake manifold at the same time. You have the L36 engine, and it'* only a matter of time before that fails completely (the upper intake).

Your rocker arm bolts aren't reusable, either. You'll need an APN upper intake manifold kit, new lower intake gaskets, lifters (ZZPerformance has the best price, don't get the OE-R, get the OE comp cams lifters), and new rocker arm bolts.

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