Take a listen. What do you guys think? Clicking/Banging noise comes from the Passenger side (I think) - Happens only on cold starts. Noise disappears within 5-8 seconds every time. The loudness of the noise depends on the temperature outside. The particular start in the video, the temperature was around 25 degrees.
From what I'm finding online, it may be the:

(1) Timing Chain Tensioner.

(2) Timing Chain guides. Apparently, the guide rail breaks at the top & then slides down towards the bottom causing the tensioner to push all the way out.

(3) Piston slap.

169,000 miles on car.
Excellent maintenance throughout the car's life.
Help is MUCH appreciated.

P.S. One vid is of the car on cold start. The other one was recorded a minute or two after the start (I just included it so you could hear the engine I guess)

 

To me, it sounds more serpentine belt related. Like some detritus or a bit of oil that warms up and burns off after a few rpms. I would give the belt and pulleys a close look before looking at timing chains or piston slap.

 

THANK YOU for the response.
I REALLY appreciate it. Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for? I assume, look for oil on the belts and see if they’re worn or loose…Anything else I’m missing?

 

I had to deal with timing chain tensioner and guides when my engine had 169,000 miles - ironically same as yours. The noise will get louder and stay on longer as time goes by. You can try to narrow down the noise location by using a mechanic’s stethoscope. Tensioner and guide noises will come from passenger side of the engine behind the timing chain cover. It sound like a clatter.

 

Look for cracks and fraying, look at tbe pulleys for any signs of wear or dirt. 160k on same belts, you may be due.

But as I35Geek mentioned, a stethescope or a washer bottle on the end of a broomstick will help isolate it. ( yeah, I am a fan of South Main Auto on youtube!)

I replaced my timing chain, tensioner and guides at 460,000...not because they were noisy, but because my water pump died so I decided, why not while i have it apart!

 

Throwing up one more vid from another start a couple of days later. In this video, it sounds slightly clearer so I thought I’d post it.

Any additional thoughts are welcome. Thank you.

 

Based on the latest video, it does not sound like the timing chain clatter noise that I had. Agree with LtLeary that it is more likely to be belt related.