I have a mechanical rattle (louder than a ticking noise) coming from the top end of my engine. It varies directly with engine RPM. Based on my stethoscope it sounds like the front right cylinder (passenger side, next to rad). I noticed it once the weather got cold. It goes away once the car warms up, which I assume is related to oil flow.

If I pull the rocker cover is there a chance I will be able to see something loose, broken or out of place? Is that the logical first step? I was considering putting in 5W30 (instead of the 10W30 I currently use) to increase cold engine oil flow, but that would obviously only mask the problem, not fix it.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Happy New Year everyone.

Could you steth the lower end of the cylinder block? Does it get louder lower or higher?

There is always a possibility that if you remove the valve cover it might uncover an issue. You might have a lifter or rod clogged, etc. Maybe it'* time for a god old Seafoam treatment and an oil change to 5w30.

My first thought is a sticky lifter. seafoam the oil might clean it out.

Kevin, I'm pretty sure its coming from the top end.

Kevin and Dan, I like the Seafoam idea. I'll pick up a can tomorrow, throw it in, and change the oil next weekend with 5W30. How many miles are you supposed to drive with Seafoam in the crankcase before changing the oil?

Check the can on that.

Last time I did a Seafoam...I let it sit for about 30 minutes and then went out on a 10+ mile drive with a couple of WOT thrown in for good measure.

It does sound like a lifter or pushrod is leaking down. Hopefully the seafoam clears it up. If not, holler...I usually have a spare set of lifters etc laying around.

The seafoam treatment and lighter oil (5W30) seemed to improve it to the point where I did not have to leave the block heater plugged in overnight to keep the engine warm for start up, but in the last couple of days the rattle has returned.

In summary:

• mechanical rattle coming from the top of the right (passenger) forward cylinder
• only rattles when engine is cold, goes away if I let it idle for a few minutes

Is this something I can get at by pulling the rocker cover, or to I have to pull the front head?

I find by keeping the block heater plugged in overnight the engine either starts with no rattle, or the rattle goes away in a few seconds. I am hoping this will keep things going until the weather gets warmer so I can work on this without freezing my azz off.

pulling the cover will tell you if u have a damaged spring or rocker. but wont do much to show a bad or sticking lifter

How many miles on the car? Did the noise start all at once?