Rattle

I have a 1995 4WD 2.7L 5 speed with 119.000 miles. There is a rattle/clang noise after starting that only happens when the weather is cold. The lower the outside temperature, the louder the noise. It sounds sort of like heat shields or dampers or the like. I can find no loose parts. At times there is a noise like spark knock/preignition when I press the gas pedal lightly.
Once last winter the noise was so bad I thought something had really come off the motor. By the time I got the hood up, it had started to go away.
The motor starts immediately and gives 22 to 24 mpg.
Any comments appreciated

 

I'm pretty sure it's the heat sheild around the exhaust and the tank on my truck. Mine just started doing it. I'm looking at it tomorrow as it's driving me nuts......

 

i would have a friend start the truck while you look under the hood.
are you using the reccomended oil for the temperature range you live in if your oil is too heavy it may be taking more time to reach the head and you may be hearing you valves tapping dry

 

I run Valvoline 5W 30 changed at 5,000 mile intervals. I'm pretty sure that has been done since it was new. I bought the truck with 48,000 on the odo. The oil level drops and the oil darkens only slightly between changes.

I still can't get power to my cigarette lighter (Previous post).

Thanks.

 

Where ya at in TN?

 

It may sound funny, but as things warm up in your cab, they expand, thus the noises will stop......most of the time anyway. I have the same thing happen to me, drives me crazy! Just turn up your radio, that helps.....

 

What you guys are describing sounds like belt slap, this occurs when its cold i.e; the belt/belts are cold & stiff & are probably warping around the pulleys or tensioner ( depending whether or not you have conventional or serpentine belts) & just like magic it goes away when things warm up, check your belts thoroughly for wear & tension.........

 

kudos brother, i neglected to even think about that.
2 laner...have you changed the timing belt yet? a worn tensioner on it could cause some noise until it warms up. my 85 had plastic guides that were gone and a tensioner that was anything but and when i started it it sounded almost like a snare drum.....but at the same time it barely ran

 

I live on Signal Mountain 15 miles north of Chattanooga.

 

what about that rattle?

 

I haven't done anything about the rattle yet. Maybe tomorrow.

 

I have a rattle in my 04. Can't tell where in the back it's coming from. When you go over rough roads, it sound like the sliding window is rattling but it's not. It sounds more like the noise you get going over 1000 railroad tracks. Can't tell where inside. Maybe it's coming from the side pillar or the bed? Would a spray in bed cause any noises from being stiffer or bad shocks? I also have a bearing noise in the engine area that's just recently started. Can really hear it when the foots of the gas. I read it might be the idler pulley bearing?

 

could be... take a long screw driver and put the tip on the bracket that holds the pully hold the handle to your ear. (this is like a stethescope)
it will be real obviose if the bearing is shot