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I've noticed when I first start the engine of my 2002 STS on a cold morning
(30's or lower) the engine makes a tapping sound until it is warmed-up;
then it sounds ok...Is this cause for alarm? The agency pulled the engine on the car a couple months ago to seal a piston or whatever---the car was doing the same thing then.
Comments appreciated...
KW
Posted by: Dadillac
Very common. The N* gets carbon build-up on the pistons, and due to the tight tolerences of the squish area, the valves touch the carbon, causing the tapping. The best, easiest, cheapest, most fun way to remedy this, is to do some wide open throttle bursts. Just beat the hell out of the motor. The best place to do this, is highway entrance ramps, and the expressway. Some endorse doing it in 2nd gear only. I never do that, I just drop the hammer, from whatever speed I am driving, in whatever gear it is in. Initially you will see a large cloud of smoke from your exhaust, as it sounds like it is detonating. That is the carbon breaking free, and leaving the engine. Doing this (only on a fully warmed up engine), several times, will clear up the tapping. Also, doing WOT every now and then, will keep this problem from resurfacing.
Which Middletown are you from. If it is NJ, and you do not want to do this procedure, I will lend a hand. I am very good at it, and will take good care of your car.
Don
Posted by: kissedvfd
Hey Kenwood, I had the same thing happen on my PU when we had a couple of cold mornings (about 30 F). A friend of mine that builds engines as a hobby said he believed it was a lifter sticking or leaking down. He recommended Lucas Oil Treatment and for me to make sure I use an oil filter that has an anti drain back check valve in it. I didn't use the Lucas this time, but I did change the oil to 5w-30 synthetic and used a good oil filter with the valve. Has not happened since! Assuming (uh-ha, I know) that the 'tapping' is the tappet, I don't think the engine is in any danger of going nuclear.
Posted by: Kenwood
Thanks Dadillac and Kissedvfd...Your comments are helpful and appreciated.
