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Old 12-07-2010, 08:09 AM
FoxhillRanger FoxhillRanger is offline
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Question 99 3.0 Flex : Cold start engine knock/shake

On cold start the engine has a knocking sound & sometimes shakes as well. After it warms up, sounds go away & runs fine. Sounds like the engine isn't getting oil but I have had the oil pump replaced & also replaced the camshaft synchronizer. Have had other issues & had it checked for a blown head gasket which checked out ok. Have replaced plugs & plug wires. I've heard others talk of Piston slap & Rod knock. What are these & what is the difference? It was suggested that I use a heavier oil, does this sound right or not? Thanks for any insight.
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Old 12-07-2010, 01:34 PM
DHEM DHEM is offline
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Default Re: 99 3.0 Flex : Cold start engine knock/shake

sounds like piston slap, rod knock doesnt go away. Running thicker oil really would help, it should be rebuilt if its getting loud.

oops meant to say wouldn't
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Last edited by DHEM; 12-13-2010 at 05:19 PM. Reason: grammer error
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Old 12-07-2010, 08:37 PM
bassplyer92517 bassplyer92517 is offline
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Default Re: 99 3.0 Flex : Cold start engine knock/shake

Definitely sounds like a piston slap. A piston slap occurs when the piston has too much clearance between itself and the cylinder bore. It mainly is just caused from normal engine wear. I'm pretty sure its not too bad for your engine, just don't be too hard on it while its making the sound.

When the engine is cold the clearance between the two is greatest because the piston has not expanded from heat, but once it heats up the piston will expand faster since it is aluminum and the cylinder is iron. That would explain why it only happens for cold starts.

There is one way I've heard of testing for it though. Turn your engine on when its cold, listen for about ten seconds and memorize the pattern. Quickly shut it off, take out the spark plugs and put a squirt or two of motor oil into each cylinder. Put the plugs back and give the oil a second to reach the piston. Turn the engine on again, if it is a piston slap the sound should be greatly reduced or gone for at least 20-30 seconds.

Last edited by bassplyer92517; 12-07-2010 at 08:39 PM.
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Old 12-13-2010, 02:14 PM
joker515 joker515 is offline
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Default Re: 99 3.0 Flex : Cold start engine knock/shake

use lucas oil additive on your next change, see if that helps, i believe what you are expierencing is called a dry start, not only is is bad sounding, it is the leading cause of engine wear... my2cents
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Old 12-13-2010, 02:26 PM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Default Re: 99 3.0 Flex : Cold start engine knock/shake

timing chain guide?..... lifter (hince the shaking)?...... what oil are you running? anything over 10w30 will cause cold chatter till it's picked up.

Lucas works but its a thick additive and can cause cold start chatter too. I suggest spending few extra bucks on good oil filters, cheapo's can cause it as well.. if you have over 150k miles. I suggest trying lucas (use full quart) but subtract a quart of oil when refilling.. if it doesnt help or stop it, recommend using 2qts 30w and 3qts of 10w30 without Lucas.
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Last edited by terryduanemiller; 12-13-2010 at 02:32 PM.
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Old 12-06-2011, 04:55 PM
DANE DANE is offline
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Default Re: 99 3.0 Flex : Cold start engine knock/shake

Terys right get a good filter put a whole bottle of lucas in minus a quart. Mine hasnt done it since
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Old 12-06-2011, 05:43 PM
Turboman412 Turboman412 is offline
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Default

What color is your coolant? Had a similar problem it ran like Crap till warmed up.. when I was pulling a trailer I popped my head gasket. You should check compression just to rule it out

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