Hi all only noticed this morning as I usually allow the car to warm up before driving but didn't have time this morning... when the engine is cold it seems to have a slight tap noise or very quiet rattle when u just touch the accelerator doesn't carry on up the revs but not sure if bottom end is going? or is this normal? knock sensor? no smoke or loss in power although occasionally smells as if its running rich... its a 1998 s reg 2000 turbo UK spec completely standard 113k

 

Could just be the tappets, or slight piston slap if it goes away when warm

 

piston slap they all do it eventually

 

does this mean I need a rebuild :O

 

No mate its nowt to worry about.

Ive had three and they have all done it.

As long as its not using loads of oil it REALLY is nothing to worry about.

 

It quietens down when warm im guessing... just a bit of slap, nothing to worry about.

 

yeah quietens down when warm thanks for your replies

 

leaving it to warm on the drive wont help. drive off straight away and bring the engine up to temp asap with low/no boost.

 

I didn't leave it to warm for the particular reason I have it was just left to warm as I thought that was best for the car to warm up before running and also run it for a few mins after a long run... Is it best to drive straight away rather then warming up?

 

yes drive straight away off boost for a good 4/5 miles before any hard driving takes place, remember that sitting on your drive on tickover wont warm the diff/gearbox oil

 

If the knock doesn't increase with revs, then it can't be big ends or piston slap

 

timing belt tensioner possibly

 

Timing belt was replaced by previous owner at 111k now done 113k I will try get a video up later see what you all think its hard to hear tho so not sure if recording will pic up the noise that great

 

The instance of engine 'tap' threads will now increase in direct proportion to the onset of winter. It's known as the 'chilly morning paranoia theorum'

JohnD

 

Lol maybe it is just me I just dont want a massive garage bill if I leave some thing little which leads to say timing slipping and destroying my engine better to be safe then sorry I say

 

97/98 cars were prone to piston slap, though I'm surprised yours has taken so long to show itself.
Not an issue until you come to sell it and buyer wonders what it is, so avoid selling it in the winter.

 

Only bought the car last month lol maybe it is something I just didnt pick up on or just un fortunate it happened after I bought and no plan to sell yet lol only time I will is when I can justify the insurance on newage sti