Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

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Piratepete
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Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by Piratepete »

Hi Guys
Engine is the 2.1 DJ Petrol. 130,000 miles since 1990.

Engine starts, runs and idles well. Oil Pressure is good especially at start-up. However after being left for say a week it is horribly (to my ears) clacky at start up and for a good 10 minutes afterwoods. Clearly the oil has drained away from some areas and is taking a while to return.

Is this something to worry about? Is it ok to drive it like this? Or is this normal for these engines?

Hoping to have my concerns put to rest.

Pete

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Re: Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by Stesaw »

Sounds like lifters are draining, which if the engine is left to sit for days is a normal thing, just running the engine and going for a drive should pump em back up as I understand it. If it's something that happens a lot you should perhaps get em possibly replaced if that is what it turns out to be.

When was the last oil Change too?

https://ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Piratepete
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Re: Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by Piratepete »

Thanks Stesaw for your reply.

Oil (VW Quantum 10W40) and filter changed last February (2019). Only done about 3000 miles since.

Guess there's enough oil around for the 10 minutes or so warm up! :(

Pete

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jrt
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Re: Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by jrt »

A good run for 20mins should quieten it down. The first time i had this it sounded bloody grim and i thought it was terminal. I use 15/40 mineral and change the oil every 6 months regardless of mileage, filter every 12.
David.
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Ant-t
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Re: Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by Ant-t »

^^^ this
1983 DG Kamper 2

benbee
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Re: Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by benbee »

Also got a 2.1DJ that clicks on startup. Engine good otherwise but should we be worried or just "character!"? :)

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Re: Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by kevtherev »

10w/40 synthetic oil is too thin
Use 15w/40 or idealy 15w/50

Change it every 6 months.
Then the clacking will stop or get less.

It's not character its a sign of neglect.
These engines like to be used not sit.
And they like oil changes.. lots of them.

VW made that easy to do too.
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Mocki
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Re: Clacky Engine on starting - Newbie asking

Post by Mocki »

15/40 mineral
Not 10
Not 50
Not synthetic
Not semi synthetic
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