02 Max SE, 147K. About a year ago, during cold starts or if the car has been sitting a few days it makes a crazy like rattling noise for 5 seconds then goes away. It happens every blue moon when warm.

I've had my car for 6 years. routine oil changes etc. I took it to my local Midas, of course no help, they said my engine was done which I'm having a hard time believing. No problems after the noise, runs fine, no CEL's, no hesitation etc.


I recorded the noise to the best of my ability. Check it out. I need help on diagnosing this noise!

 

Recording was too short but could be the timing chain rattling. A video of the noise with the hood up will be more helpful.

And don't go to chain shops like Midas.

 

I tried to get a better recording but it is literally as short as the audio clip was. Funny you mentioned the timing chain - i was thinking the same thing.

I will try to get a longer clip but will probably have to wait as it doesn't make the noise on every start up

 

That's exactly what it is.

The tensioner is bad, but since they don't sell the old design (revised due to the failing guides/tensioners on the newer VQs), you'll just have to find the correct O ring for it (it's just a piston in a cylinder with an O ring to seal it).

another edit: idk what size

 

thanks for the help! it was driving me crazy! and i wanted to get it replaced before anything happened.

Hopefully someone can find the correct O Ring and post a link for me. thanks again!

 

How's the oil level?

 

Oil level is good. I just recently had it changed. I noticed the noise length did get shorter when it was changed.