Rattle at Start-up
 

When i first start my '00 after a few days, it starts fine, but I get a rattle for about a second and then its fine. Is this normal for the boxer engine when sitting a while- all the oil seeps down from lifters, or is this the start of an ims issue. It has done it for the yr I have owned it and no other issues so I am assuming its normal for these engines, but looking for some input. Thanks

I would like to know what that really is too. My '98 does it when cold starting. I have noticed if I turn off the heating /cooling system before engaging the starter it does it less or sometimes not at all. Any correlation ?

My 99 does that too. I'm told that switching from Mobil1 0W40 to Castrol Syntec 5W40 will make that go away. I'm going to put it to the test this coming spring.

I think it's just lack of oil after sitting for a while, oil seeps down and top of engine isn't sufficiently lubricated. I use Castrol Syntec now

After switching to Motul 5w40 the noise was greatly reduced but I can still hear it.

mine too. valve lifters or chain tensioners. normal

Me, too. Always give me the willies, but seems pretty normal.

Me too, but i've been blaming the exhaust....

My Boxster does it too .... I HATE IT ..... sorta feel embarrassed starting the car when people are standing near it.

Appears to be normal though :-(

It's pretty common. When the car has been sitting awhile 99.9% of the oil drains back to the sump. Upon starting the engine it take a sec or two for the oil pump to do it's thing and send oil where it needs to go so unusual mechanical noises can result. That is why most of the engine wear occurs at cold startup. Best thing to do is use a high quality synthetic oil and drive your car often. Or it could be a loose exhaust shield you're hearing...that's fairly common too.

My '02 3.2 does not make any noise at start up and the car sits most the time; as it is not driven daily or sometimes even weekly. I have been using Castrol Syntec 10W40 for the last several years...perhaps this is the reason why I have no issues?

Years back when I was still using Mobil 1 0W40 (didn't know any better), the car would clatter until it warmed up 30 seconds or so...now I know why!

I use Mobil 1 and never hear any noise upon startup even after sitting for a day or two.