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rattling after start

N

NickNick

CEG'er
Joined
Aug 27, 2006
Messages
83
hey guys
when my engine is completely cold, and i start it, i often hear a rattling noise, i asumed it was the starter, but a aircraft mechanic at my work said he thinks its just vacum line. It only happens when the engine is cold, this happen to anybody else, or possibly know how to fix or what it is? thx
 
I'm having a similar issue on cold starts. I get a rattling type of v-train noise that doesn't go away until the engine is warmed up. It also seems to go away after rpm go above 2.5K. I'm not sure what to make of it.
 
98SVTC nailed it.

This is also posted on our old Main Site FAQ and mentioned as "harmless".

"FORD CONTOUR TIMING CHAIN CLATTER

Ford TSB 97-2-8 describes a clattering noise at engine start-up after the engine has sit overnight that may be heard on 1995 Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique models with a DOHC 2.5L V6. Oil leaking out of the chain tensioners causes the timing chain to momentarily rub against the tensioner ratchet when the engine is first started. The noise only lasts a couple of seconds and goes away as soon as the engine builds up oil pressure.

The cure, says Ford, is to replace the original chain tensioner components with redesigned parts. These include two timing chain tensioners F5RZ-6L266-CA, the left hand tensioner adapter F5RZ-6C275-BA, the right hand tensioner adapter F5RZ-6C275-AA, the left hand chain tensioner arm F6RZ-6L253-AA and the right hand chain tensioner arm F6RZ-6L253-BA. The two DOHC timing chains and guide assemblies should also be replaced at the same time.

TIMING CHAIN TIPS

When replacing a timing chain on any Ford engine, always replace the chain, camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Don't reuse the old sprockets to save time or money. All three components wear as a system and should be replaced as a matched three-piece set. Some OHC kits also include chain guides and/or tensioners. These "extra" parts play a vital role in supporting the chain and keeping it tight and should also be replaced at the same time."
 
hey well me and a friend did some sound testing, and we are almost positive its the starter, ill record it with my camera and post the video when i can..... but yes ill have to check that out, i just changed to synthetic and it still does it,
 
Whew, Im glad to read this information. I just picked up a 2000 SVTC with a 3L conversion and noticed the ratteling sound on startup; glad to know it's harmless.
 
Sorry to bring up an old thread but I have been doing a little bit of searching trying to solve my problem.

Just wondering if the same noise you v6 guys are discribing is similar to what a 4 cylinder would make on a cold start? I seem to get a noise only on cold starts. Im here in Chicago and it just started making that noise this winter. My car has 97,XXX miles.

Thanks
 
try removing the timing belt cover then start the car up. the timing belt is natorious for tapping the cover. you can use washers to space the cover up some to prevent this, or just remove the cover. I also think that a new cover was redesigned to eliminate this noise
 
If the noise is extremely brief, not more than a quick count of two, I'm inclined to think its the starter gear dragging on the flywheel for a moment. If that's the case, it's no big deal.
 
Bad news:blackeye: My contour broke down on the way to work today. It must of been a blessing because I broke down right infront of a shop. So the mechanic is looking at it. I will keep everyone posted once they find out whats wrong with it.:cry:
 
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