Lifter noise at cold start up

[Gnarly4X]

Interesting...

I'm not real familiar with that engine. Is there an adjustment to be checked? Could the noise be piston slap?

I'd run a full tank of fuel with one can of Berryman Chemtool B-12. When the tank is near empty, drain the oil and change the filter. I'd run some Mobil 1 synthetic, and see how it sounds. On oil filters... I've tried a bunch over the years and I haven't found ONE that will hold oil over night... the anti-drain back valves only work for a few hours... at least that's my experience. I like Purolator, but honestly don't think I can tell, or my engine can tell the difference between oil filters. On my Toyotas, synthetics seem make cold starts a little quieter, especially below 40 degrees F.
That's just my worthless opinion.

[JonesJ]

Thanks for all of the advise I will go through a step by step check until I find out what the noise is.

[GeeAea]

Originally Posted by JonesJ

I have just bought a 2004 jeep wrangler unlimited ( LJ) and when I first start it up in the morning there is what sounds like a lifter noise. The jeep only has 50,000 miles on it. I dont want to have to get into the motor if I dont have to. Any advise would be appreciated.

Try the fuel system cleaner with PEA in it ...like Red Line's or Amsoil's. If this is subjected to short trip usage, it could be CCDI (combustion chamber deposit interference). It's a soft deposit that eventually cause the valves to hit the formations.

Now before TR spouts off like a whale coming up for air saying that I'm full of "stuff", just put Combustion Chamber Deposit Interference into google. There are a few SAE papers on it.

This is what many people misinterpret as piston slap since it mirrors the onset and retreat of noise.

Here's Texaco's url on it.

Texaco: Techron in Your Engine

Naturally, TR will now have already known all about it ..but just didn't think you were worth sharing it with.

[Gnarly4X]

Originally Posted by GeeAea

This is what many people misinterpret as piston slap since it mirrors the onset and retreat of noise.

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In my experience, light piston slap is most often immediately at cold start and disappears in a split second. Lifter noise is most often continuous and usually louder when the engine is at normal running temp or hot. It seems there would have to be a huge amount of carbon build up to cause that, and in fact, I've never heard do such a condition. But, I'm not an engine builder and far from an expert on these engines.....

[GeeAea]

Piston slap, in my experience (limited to certain GM's) was like a muffled rod knock. It would lessen as the engine warmed.

A lifter can be noisy at start up ..get quiet when pressure comes up ..and return later as pressure retreats as the oil gets thin ...or not. It can be quiet until the oil gets thin.

CCDI is a result of unburned fuel volitalizing and leaving behind solid components. It's a relatively new problem. It's what clogs your fuel injectors and forms deposits on your intake valves.

I'm pretty sure it's a byproduct of baby boomers getting empty nests and not having to run all over heck and gone to play soccer parent.

[CJ7Taz]

Hey, Gary! Good to see you back again. Stick around.

[GeeAea]

Thanks for the welcome after my extended hiatus. I'll come in an sit a spell, I guess.

[RRich]

If you think it's a lifter/rocker noise, verify that it is by simply removing the valve cover, let it stand overnight so it's cold and would be noisy.

In the morning start it - put your finger on each rocker one at a time - if it's making noise you'll feel it. Then if there is one noisier than the rest, push on it sideways with your fingers. The noise will change. Now you know which is suspect.