My '05 has just turned over 140,000, and with the first cool morning (42') on Tuesday, I heard a cold start rattle for the first time. Definitely sounded like the lifters were dry, and it went away in just a few seconds.

Had it again on Wednesday...but again, gone in a few seconds.

Noticed that on Thursday and today it wasn't there. When I thought about it, I realized I had parked facing downhill on the last two days, uphill on the first two days. Since I changed the oil Monday, I know the oil level is good, just wondering if anyone else sees a difference in uphill/downhill facing when parked and the amount of rattle they get???

 

What oil filter are you using, and did you use a different one the the usual?

 

Yep, sounds like one without the anti drain tube.

 

Purolator Pure 1 Filter, same as I have for all 28 oil changes performed on this vehicle since it was new.

And yes, it has the drainback valve. Not the problem.

 

Maybe the valve is malfunctioning on this one filter.

 

Yeah, may not be it, but sure seems suspicious, since you just changed the oil and filter.

 

If you are parking in the same spot all the time, I too would think possibly a bad anti-drainback valve.