Knocking on cold start?

[turbotofu]

When I start the car after not having driven it for a while, I hear this knocking sound for a few seconds, but then it goes away.

I googled and found that maybes its "piston slap?" Perhaps I should try a different oil?

[Slammed Assassin]

what motor do you have?

[turbotofu]

o woops

dual cam KA

[Carbomb]

accusump google it.

[orion::S14]

Most likely, it's the upper timing chain...if you still have the chain guide.

The tensioner relies on oil pressure, so until that builds up...the chain is loose, and rides/slaps the upper guide.

There is a TSB about the upper guide, you want to remove it anyway...so do that, and see if the problem is gone. it's easy...pull the valve cover, and unbolt it (two 12mm bolts, IIRC).

- Brian

[turbotofu]

K I'll give that a shot. I should get a new valve cover gasket as well right?

[j87w]

Have you noticed if the noise and the oil light go off/away together?

[turbotofu]

I haven't seen that light pop up before.

[guitaraholic]

Ha, that sounds exactly like my SR when my timing chain got really loose. I just changed it a week ago, and its stopped the noise. Until you get a new timing chain, try using a Wix or OEM filter.(not FRAM) It helps get your oil pressure up faster(be it only a little faster but it does help).

[Bigsyke]

Ha, that sounds exactly like my SR when my timing chain got really loose. I just changed it a week ago, and its stopped the noise. Until you get a new timing chain, try using a Wix or OEM filter.(not FRAM) It helps get your oil pressure up faster(be it only a little faster but it does help).

actually all the wix ive ever used had the worst ADBV. PureONE filters had the best. This is the OP's issue, dry starts.

[turbotofu]

I'm using a mobil 1 filter right now, but I plan on switching to pureone after reading that oil FAQ.

[mxexux]

how many miles on the engine? Could be just be normal wear and tear. Also maybe the oil pump is worn and not pumping oil like it used to.