Knocking noise when I start my car. WHAT IS IT? | FerrariChat
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Knocking noise when I start my car. WHAT IS IT?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jscar71, Nov 26, 2004.

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  1. jscar71

    jscar71 Formula Junior

    Jul 14, 2004
    354
    Montreal Qc, Canada
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    JScar
    #1 jscar71, Nov 26, 2004
    So the weather here in Montreal is getting colder but I am determined to drive until late December.

    But when it's cold and I start the car I get this knocking sound only when I start the car and after about 2 min of the car warming up, it goes away. I never hear it again until the car is cold again. I can start and stop it all day, as long as it is not for a long period of time the knocking never comes back, until the next morning that the cars been sitting inside the garage all night. (only heated to about 10 degrees celsius, 50 F. i think).

    It's a 84 Mondial with no cats. Don't know if this helps diagnose the problem, maybe this is normal on a 20 year old Ferrari or for a mondial.

    The car is actually running great and have put all neccesary investment this summer on the car to have it running like a beauty. Never spared a dime, compression tests were done by Ferrari of Quebec and they said that the bottom end is in tip top shape also. I'm also doing the 30K tune up this winter and slapping on a full new exhaust system from Tubi or Stebro, have not decided yet.

    Any help, advice or past experiences would be of great help. I just want to know that I am not doing ireversable damage to the engine.
     
  2. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    #2 ferrarifixer, Nov 26, 2004
    If it's a click click noise rather than a donk donk noise, quirt some light penetrant on the Wpump, Ac belts. It'll stop immediately if thats the problem. Nothing to worry about.

    If its a donk donk, get it towed to a service point and checked out.
     
  3. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
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    #3 Mule, Nov 26, 2004
  4. jscar71

    jscar71 Formula Junior

    Jul 14, 2004
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    #4 jscar71, Nov 26, 2004
    It is excactly that, a click, click, sound. You hit the nail on the head. So you say that it could be the waterpump that needs to be changed or it is a normal sound that happens occasionally and a little bit of WD40 will solve. As for the AC belts, should I try belt dressing as opposed to the penetrant.
     
  5. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #5 f355spider, Nov 26, 2004
    Normal sound....if you must, you could try a little belt dressing...I would just leave it be. Not worth messing with. And debatible whether the dressing will help.
     
  6. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    #6 ferrarifixer, Nov 26, 2004
    It's just the belt, not the pump. You can squirt ANYTHING on it if you like!! Window cleaner is good too. It's going to come and go unless you change the belt, even then it'll come back sooner or later.

    You can try re-tensioning the belt, but keep it tight rather than loose. Might put it off for a while.
     
  7. jscar71

    jscar71 Formula Junior

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    #7 jscar71, Nov 26, 2004
    you guys are great.

    this forum is great.

    Prompt and useful info all the time.

    Keep it up guys.
     
  8. TOM B

    TOM B Formula 3

    Jul 24, 2003
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    #8 TOM B, Nov 27, 2004
    Don't use the belt dressing. I used it two years ago to stop an occassionally squeeling belt. Being solvent-solubilized asphalt, it weakened and eventually destroyed the belt and the grit it contains ruined my alternator bearings. If the noise is how you describe, it's normal. Don't worry.
     
  9. chrismorse

    chrismorse Formula 3

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    #9 chrismorse, Nov 27, 2004
    If this is a belt noise, have a real good look at the belt or just replace it at a time of YOUR choosing, rather than a tow job. I hate being towed.

    best,
    chris
     
  10. jscar71

    jscar71 Formula Junior

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    #10 jscar71, Nov 27, 2004
    It is rather degrading. I agree.
     
  11. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

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    #11 Jerrari, Nov 27, 2004
    My 308 had that noise and so does my TR....I just turn the radio up and pretend it's not there. :)
     
  12. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 ernie, Nov 27, 2004
    As Mule pointed out, it's your oil. Use Mobile1 0W-30 and the clicking will go away.
     
  13. jscar71

    jscar71 Formula Junior

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    #13 jscar71, Nov 27, 2004
    I doubt it, I get my oil change at Ferrari Quebec, and the oil they use is certified by Ferrari. (or some sh*t like that). As I said it doesn't happen in the summer, only in cold weather.
     
  14. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    #14 parkerfe, Nov 28, 2004
    What viscosity oil do you use? Your oil may be too thick for the climate. That will cause an engine knock until the oil gets flowing properly. Try a 5w50 or 0w50 oil synthetic and see if that solves your problem.
     
  15. jscar71

    jscar71 Formula Junior

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    #15 jscar71, Nov 28, 2004
    You could be right, I'll have to ask my mechanic. Your diagnostic makes sense. I'll have to wait until Monday to find out. Hopefully it does not damage the car.
     
  16. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
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    #16 Mule, Nov 28, 2004
    No, in my link, I believe it is the cold belt noise, not the oil.
     

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