There is extensive posting about rattling on cold startup, but I have not seen mention of the loud "zing" I hear for a second or two when starting in cold weather. I assume it is the timing chain dragging against the head and/or block until the tensioner pumps up. I assume this can't be good for the chain and could only be eliminated with an Accusump or other pre-oiler.

I heard the rattle on startup when my rig was brand new. I immediately changed the oil to Mobil 1 00-40, and have not heard it since. Car is now at 19K miles. I also change the oil every 4-5K miles. I find it disappointing that a vehicle with only 3K on it had really dark oil after only a few hundred miles after an oil/filter change.

Can anyone comment? It seems to me that a timing chain check should be a standard part of routine maintainance, probably every 30K miles.

DOC

 

Video of this.

 

I hear a brief little shriek of sorts on start-up, and am under the impression that it's the oil pump pressuring up, and is normal.

Spridget

 

Do you have an aftermarket intake? On really cold days the engine has to rev a bit higher when you start it initially and sometimes I hear my intake "zing" as it pulls in a bit of air. It goes away as soon as the idle drops to normal after a second.

 

The timing chain has a plastic guide so the rubbing effect does no damage to the chain.

When you start the engine, the timing chain tensioner usually has a bit of air stuck in it and it won't get purged out until oil pressure has had a minute or two to get it out. This causes slack in the chain at startup and also more "clatter". 0W-40 flows better in the winter than 5W-30 so it does help a little. Anyways, this is all normal N14 engine activity.

 

had this kind of sound on both of my mini's and it usually just happens on startup ... as I let my cars warm up for a while before driving esp, during the winter seasons. never really had an issue with the older mini and havent had any issues with the 2011 ... dont know what causes it but i am an owner that has the same issue ...