engine rattling on cold starts on MG ZRs

[pete80]

Hi

Has anyone encountered any rattling on their cars when cold starting? Mine rattles for about 10-20 seconds and then its fine. I've read around about this and have heard terms like 'piston slap' and 'tippets' - whatever these are.

The noise seems to be coming from the area of the engine where it says 'injection' and not the main engine block. Could anyone enlighten what this rattle could be, and whether this is a sign that there is a problem or is it normal?

[MGZRod]

i´ve occasionally had this problem but with no bad effects, been told that it oculd be clutch cable rattling... hope its all ok

[calibrax]

What engine have you got?

[300bhp/ton]

In my experience the K-Series can be a bit noisy and ratterly on start up, but settles down somewhat when warm.

[johnbaz]

Hi

It sounds like the same thing on my 1500 Midget.
Upon cold start the big ends knock due to them being dry, in mine the oil is draining back to the sump, once it's been pumped back up through the bearings, it quietens down, it's annoying and more than likely doing major damage to the bearings shells.
i read somewhere that (for the midget) an oil filter could be bought with a spring and ball one way valve which stops the back drain but then i read that an oil cooler needs to be fitted as well...
Dunno if you have the same problem or not..
I think more modern engines have a one way valve fitted anyhow but they can jam with carbon deposits....


John