Starting Problems
#1
Starting Problems
I have a problem with my 97 4.6L. When I start the engine cold, it makes a rattling noise as it turns over and is really rough until it gets up to idle. It has been getting progressively worse as time goes by, and I don't want to get stuck sometime.
Once the engine is running it runs fine and doesn't throw any ECU codes.
For this sort of problem I don't even know where to start.
Once the engine is running it runs fine and doesn't throw any ECU codes.
For this sort of problem I don't even know where to start.
#2
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I just cleaned the IAC Valve. There was a little carbon buildup but it wasn't bad. That wasn't what was causing it. If I had to guess I'd say my starter motor is going bad, but I'm not sure. The engine turns over just fine, but for a second or two after I stop cranking I hear the rattling. Once again, it only does it when the engine is cold.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: St. Louis (Out in the woods)
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#8
I believe it may be the starter. I suspect this because it first started happening after I went through a sizable mud puddle. The bottom got a good covering in mud, so much so that my transfer case motor went out and I had to replace it. As I understand it, the starter is right on the bottom of the undercarriage. Could this explain the noises I've been hearing? Is it worth looking into, or would I just be wasting my time?
#9
If it isn't affecting the normal operation of the vehicle, and you have oil pressure, I wouldn't let it bother me. Do all you can, and if you can't figure it out, just accept it and go on. If it's a starter problem, it will become evident the day it won't crank! But seriously, don't lose sleep over knocks and ticks. If you have done all you can to find it, and you are running the correct fluids, there's not much else you can do. If it's a serious problem, it will make itself known when it's ready. But all truck have their weird ticks and bumps. Mine makes a "lifter tick" noise on startup when the initial engine temperature is between 120 and 160 degrees. It doesn't do it when it's cold, or when hot. Go figure that!
#10
Originally Posted by chester8420
If it isn't affecting the normal operation of the vehicle, and you have oil pressure, I wouldn't let it bother me. Do all you can, and if you can't figure it out, just accept it and go on. If it's a starter problem, it will become evident the day it won't crank! But seriously, don't lose sleep over knocks and ticks. If you have done all you can to find it, and you are running the correct fluids, there's not much else you can do. If it's a serious problem, it will make itself known when it's ready. But all truck have their weird ticks and bumps. Mine makes a "lifter tick" noise on startup when the initial engine temperature is between 120 and 160 degrees. It doesn't do it when it's cold, or when hot. Go figure that!
commission was a week when AutoZone ordered the wrong part twice. Generally if something goes wrong it takes me less than 3 days to fix it.
I also really don't want to get stuck. If something goes out at the inopportune time I could have problems.
What I'm really looking for is whether it would be worth my time to check the starter.
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Hmmm, not much description but my 97 ford has a noise as well when it starts...maybe the same? It sounds as if the fan blade is barely touching the fins on the rad...giving you that tingy noise. Is that closer to your "rattle" noise? I haven't found the problem but nothin's broke so what can you do. Good luck.
#15