crash94

Good Afternoon...

I have a 97' GT with about 150k. Several (7) years back I started hearing a clatter when I started the car in the mornings (cold starts). I haven't had any problems with it, and it doesn't happen when I'm driving, but I would like to get it fixed. I have a renewed interest in her since she's been paid off and now that I've been able to catch up on a lot of bills. Not to mention how much being a member on here has encouraged me to do something to keep her running.

Thanks in advance for any help. If there are any specific details, I'll be around until about 8pm central time.

Jason

David_K

most likely octane clatter. try 93 octane

Tim37

could be getting a little slop and wear in it. its not uncommon when a motor starts to get a little wear on it to start that. i will probably last you quiet a long time as long as you don't try any thing wild like boost or nitrous.

if you are serious about going fast i think i would goahead and build up a good bottom end first.

crash94

I did that the other day. I was have the knocking when I would hammer down in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Switched to supreme, so now it doesn't knock. But I still have the clatter when I start up.

Thanks for the reply, love the pic. Can't wait to change my 97 up.

Jason

David_K

yeah its octane clatter.

crash94

Come to think of it, it has done it more since I put the higher octane in. It has fixed the knocking when I take off, but could it be creating the added clatter when I start up?

Will it subside after a few tanks of supreme?

David_K

you can try retarding your timing. that will keep it from knocking. but no as soon as you run lower octane itll start to knock again

Dan04COBRA

Carbon build up has been known to make an engine sound like a tap dancer at start-up.

crash94

Dan,
Where would the carbon build up be? Pardon the retarded question, I'm just getting into taking care of my car myself. Hopefully I'll catch on quick.

I was just reading a thread on "Types of oil to use". Would that have any relevance if it was too thick of grade?

David_K

not really. if you over fill you will hear a knocking. but it has to be really overfilled.