Engine Noise when Cold, Gone when Hot??

[gearhead]

It's been awhile since I posted to the forum, but I'm most likely selling my MSP after 2 good years of ownership. I need to fix this before the guy goes through with the purchase.

So my problem is that the engine is making an annoying tapping/ticking noise when cold - especially under load - and yet it goes away once it is hot. I am suspecting a exhaust manifold leak or an intake leak. I get good boost (7-8 psi), good overall performance, but a rough or low idle every now and then when hot. There is some whistle from the turbo under boost, but no noticeable loss in performance.

The noise seems to be coming from under the heat shield, on the left side of the motor - that's why I think it's an exhaust mani. leak. But wouldn't it get worse instead of better as the mani heats up?!?!

What do you guys think? What's the best fix/diagnosis of problem?

 

[greasemonkey524]

I would start off by taking off the heat shield and see if you have any black soot/carbon around anywhere. Sure sign of a leak. I could see the noise going away cause when it heats up the metal itself is going to expand and possibly kinda seal the leak.

 

[ASmitty]

Anyone who knows the exact answer to this feel free to correct me, but I was under the impression its a common problem, or noise, assuming its not too violent related to a valve or lifter, and goes away once the engine warms up expands/oil circulated.

Heard it was more of a slight annoyance than a problem but i could be wrong.

 

[powderider87]

Exhaust leak, Do what grease monkey says. Take the heat shield off and you will be able to see carbon buildup from where the exhaust is coming out. There is a common sorta problem with the mani bolts coming loose and fallign out. If so get a new bolt and your set. otherwise it MIGHT be the mani gasket. But your best bet is to start by taking the heat shield off and looking around. And yes it will be more pronounced when cold, once the engine warms up it will expand and seal the gap.

 

[jeanspeed]

try changing your oil..... that was happening with my sis car.. she didnt change her oil over 5k. she also had a tit tit noise. try it

 

[gearhead]

Well, it's definitely an exhaust leak. I pullled the heat shield today and the two studs on the far left side were missing. I just need to pick up an oxygen sensor wrench to get the shield off and I'll replace the studs. Once again, this website has helped me out.

Thanks!

 

[Patrickenator]

+1 on forum support!

 

[dstmsp03]

when you have that heat shield off, you can trim the bottom by the o2 sensor, and not have to worry about taking the 02 sensor out in the future.. just in case it doesnt sell and you keep it for a lil while longer.. really makes life alot easier!

 

[Filippo]

when you have that heat shield off, you can trim the bottom by the o2 sensor, and not have to worry about taking the 02 sensor out in the future.. just in case it doesnt sell and you keep it for a lil while longer.. really makes life alot easier!

Soo true, custom mods ftw(spin)