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Thread: Engine Clack on startup

  1. #1
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    Unhappy Engine Clack on startup

    Hey Guys,

    Recently my engine in my 89 voyager has randomly started clacking after its been sitting a while. Maybe 2 or 3 clacks on startup then it goes away immediately. What could cause this? Is the oil pump losing it's prime?

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    my 8 ball says its the lifters filling up. but hey as long as it goes away after a second.
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  3. #3
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    Would the lifters clacking a couple of times on startup cause any damage?

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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    i hate to say it, but it may also be the first signs of your rods bearings going bad, also very common, may be something you would want to look into before it gets worse, look for any signs of bearing material in the oil or oil pan. is this a turbo 2.5 or? also, what kind of mileage, ive also had problems with piston slap too. lifters seam to be more of a tic, pistons more of a clack, rods more of a knock, can be tough sometimes. with the hood open and car idling, to to give it a quick blip of the throttle, if it knocks right of idle, it could be bearings...

  5. #5

    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    Quote Originally Posted by OmniLuvr View Post
    i hate to say it, but it may also be the first signs of your rods bearings going bad, also very common, may be something you would want to look into before it gets worse, look for any signs of bearing material in the oil or oil pan. is this a turbo 2.5 or? also, what kind of mileage, ive also had problems with piston slap too. lifters seam to be more of a tic, pistons more of a clack, rods more of a knock, can be tough sometimes. with the hood open and car idling, to to give it a quick blip of the throttle, if it knocks right of idle, it could be bearings...
    I'm with you. Had this same problem or similar (don't know what exactly yours sounds like) and after pulling the pan and checking the bearings, they were worn down. Replaced them, replaced the oil pump and been babying the car ever since. Could be a bad seal on the oil pump too or the pump could be going out. Either way, I'd pull the pan and check things out. Unless you plan to build another motor soon, I'd order some bearings that fit and triple check the pump seal or reseal it and see if that helps.
    [SIZE="3"] [B]Jon Trotter[/B][/SIZE] [B]1985[/B] Dodge Shelby Charger, Currently decommissioned [B]1987[/B] Shelby GLHS, #937 [B]1987[/B] Shelby Lancer, #628 [QUOTE=Reeves;587010]I can be ready. Please send pics of wife. _____DodgeZ add comments here______[/QUOTE]

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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    What oil filter? What oil? Could be the anti-drain back valve in the block has jammed open.
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    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor zin's Avatar
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    All good suggestions... I'd lean towards pulling the pan for peace of mind. If it's the lash adjusters, it's not a serious problem, but if it's something in the bottom end, you'll want to get in front it.

    Mike
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    Yea when the engine idles there is no noise, but revving it off idle it will start clacking mildly. My plan to pull the pan to refresh the oiling system (all new orings/ rtv sealant and new regulator spring along with cleaning the antidrainabck valve in the block. And now replace the rod bearings. Can I just buy new ones that are the factory size and swap them in? What about replacing the bolts/nut for each rod? Anyone know if sealed power bearings are good, or should I go with mopar ones?

    The noise isn't noticeable inside the car, only when I pop the hood.

    It is a 2.5 turbo with 120k miles. The oil pressure has been acting weird lately. Sometimes on mild acceleration the pressure would drop but go back up when i let off the gas. The oil pressure has also taken longer to rise when I start the van. This is the factory gauge btw.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Update: it only clacks/knocks when the engine was hot after a long drive. When its warm there is none or minimal noise.

    10w-30 mobil 1 high mileage with a wix filter
    Last edited by jefo; 06-01-2013 at 04:43 AM.

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    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor jonnymopar's Avatar
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    Eh, sounds like lifters to me. All of my 2.5's did it regardless of the mileage, and even my 2.0 with 158k miles has done it for quite a while.

    Funny you mention about your oil pressure gauge going crazy. This is exactly what happened on a 2.5 non-turbo that I had. Sometimes, when you hit the gas, the oil pressure gauge would completely bottom out. Then, when you let off, it would go back to normal. I replaced the oil pressure sending unit and got the same results. Starting with that car, I've installed a mechanical oil pressure gauge on every car I've owned since. Cheap money to know what's going on.
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  10. #10
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    I am going to pull the pan. I ordered new clevite 77 rod an main bearings that I will install, along with the oil system seals/ regulator spring. I will also check/clean the drainback valve in the block. Nice little refresh on a 120k engine even if it turns out to be a lifter.

    I am also going to pull off the balance shaft assembly, plug the oil hole in the assembly, then reinstall without the cut chain. I'm assuming it wont need oil if the chain is cut? Should raise the oil pressure a bit.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Update: I hooked up a manual gauge and the cold idle was around 70psi, hot idle 16psi, and max of 52psi occurred at 3k rpm to redline. It sounds like the normal and to me.

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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    That is great oil pressure so bearings aren't your issue. I would lean towards wrist pin noise, piston slap noise or lifters.

    If its a 2.5, I WOULD NOT Remove the balance shafts, you'll regret it for a DD van, been there, got the badge. Adjust the chain, if you run out of adjustment, slot the smaller shoe.
    1989 FWD Turbo Caravan-2.5 TIII, GT35R, auto, a/c, cruise, pwr windows/locks, fully loaded with interior and ran with full exhaust. RETIRED FOR A FEW YEARS! 12.57@104 :O)
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  12. #12

    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    main bearings....no doubt, as long as you dont beat on it day or night they will last quite some time. th anto drain back is worth a look, maybe a better filter they have anti drain provisions a well.

  13. #13
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    a few good guesses, so how about a good audio quality video so we can keep guessing?

  14. #14

    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    no guess mains......rods wouldnt stop knocking and wrist pins wouldnt suddenly stop once they got prssurized oil, because they dont ever get pressurized oil...mains. you can probably hear them on highway speeds with no load on engine....

  15. #15
    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor zin's Avatar
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    I'll put my vote towards mains as well...

    After it was suggested, I had a flashback to the 60s Pontiac Catalina Wagon BradP owned back in the 90s, it would do the same thing... start it up, and a muffled, but very pronounced low knock would greet you for a second or so, until there was enough oil in the mains to hold the crank in place!

    I don't recall how long it went like that, but it was months!

    I would love to have that car now, too bad it's likely become a small fleet of Hondas now!

    Mike
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    I bought some clevite 77 rod and main bearings in standard size so I can swap those in when I pull the pan. I will also be refreshing the oil pump with a new spring/seals. I'll have to get a sound recording, but I figure I am going to pull the pan for the oil pump work so I'll start down there. Are clevite bearings good for racing? I don't plan on plastigauging as everything is the stock size down there, and am planning on judt bolting the new bearings in.

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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    Yep, Clevites are fine. I would reuse the stock pump if its ok-take it apart, if there is no wear and no scoring, the gear is fine, reuse it. Put the MP spring in. I get 25psi at idle with 5w40 synthetic oil. I find OE pumps put out more at lower rpms than aftermarket pumps.
    1989 FWD Turbo Caravan-2.5 TIII, GT35R, auto, a/c, cruise, pwr windows/locks, fully loaded with interior and ran with full exhaust. RETIRED FOR A FEW YEARS! 12.57@104 :O)
    1984 Chev Getaway van, 6.2 Diesel with a remote mounted turbo setup burning WMO-For sale.
    2003 GSW 2.0L TDI, auto, fully loaded, modified, 360K-wife's.
    2004 GSW TDI, 5 speed, fully loaded, modified.

    Aurora ignition wires for sale. Link to info

    Super60 roller cams or custom/billet cams. Link to info

  18. #18

    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    I doubt the pump is your issue but as already stated find/use OEM. Until you check your pump how do you know its bad? Ive found nearly all of them check out fine. It would better if you could measure the crank....dump in some Lucas oil treatment, that will help but its not the fix. Also you wont be able to change out number 5 main bearing because the oil seal retainer covers it up.

  19. #19
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    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    The pumps not bad, but I am going to refresh (take apart, clean, new seals) it and put a new spring in it to raise the max pressure above 50psi. I would do plastigauge, but is there a chance that tightening and removing the bearing caps another time would weaken the bolts? That is my only worry. And yea I will be following this: http://www.turbododge.com/forums/f4/...procedure.html

  20. #20

    Re: Engine Clack on startup

    My pump had a crack in it and I believe it led to low oil pressure and the oil not staying in line when the car sat for a day or so. Thoroughly check that pump for cracks just to be sure.
    [SIZE="3"] [B]Jon Trotter[/B][/SIZE] [B]1985[/B] Dodge Shelby Charger, Currently decommissioned [B]1987[/B] Shelby GLHS, #937 [B]1987[/B] Shelby Lancer, #628 [QUOTE=Reeves;587010]I can be ready. Please send pics of wife. _____DodgeZ add comments here______[/QUOTE]

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