Clicking on start-up

Green_Swift · 04-18-2008, 09:34 AM

My '95 Swift runs great, starts fine. But for the first few minutes of running after it has been setting like overnight, it makes a knocking/clicking sound, comes from under the valve cover. My guess is a lifter or something, and it goes away once the oil warms up and gets flowing, but i'm new to this 4cyl design so I could be wrong. Any suggestions or ideas?

$400chevymetro · 04-18-2008, 08:02 PM

What weight oil are you running?

lancekilgore · 04-19-2008, 05:41 AM

I agree with $400chevymetro what oil are you running and in my mind whaen was the last time you changed it maybe it's time to change it again. if not the oil then maybe it's time to adjust the valves.

Lance

Green_Swift · 04-19-2008, 09:52 AM

Well, I just bought the car, and just did the first oil change on it. It has an oil leak, so I used a 10W-40 to try to keep the oil a little thicker/heavier to help keep it from leaking as bad until I can fix the leak. I'm thinking that is just maybe too thick. What's the recommendation on these cars for oil? It didn't do it prior to the oil change and the tune-up, so i'm thinking that is what it is.

Thanks.

$400chevymetro · 04-19-2008, 01:28 PM

You really need to put some 5w30 back in it. I've had very good luck with Phillips66 TropArtic synthetic blend $1.68 @ Wal-Mart. Cheaper than most dino oil, very good reviews @ Bobtheoilguy's website... Don't have to pay to support advertising. What's leaking oil pan or crank seal?

Green_Swift · 04-19-2008, 05:07 PM

The worst leak is out of an area under the distributor. I think (from another post on this forum) that it is the o-ring on the distributor shaft. Going to replace that and see if it improves. I'll try some 5w-30 or 5w-20 and see if that helps. Thanks.

$400chevymetro · 04-19-2008, 06:36 PM

You shouldn't have any problem with that. Recommended weight is 5w30

Green_Swift · 04-19-2008, 07:48 PM

Ok, I changed it to 5w-30, and added some STP to it too. Will see how that is tomorrow morning when I start it cold.

If I decide to remove the valve cover for an inspection, is the gasket reusable, or do you have to buy a new one each time. I have resuasble ones on my truck, but if I need to purchase some in advance, i'd like to know. Thanks.

Wade S · 04-20-2008, 02:13 AM

STP not needed. Kinda' defeats the usage of a multigrade oil, eh?
Put the 5W into it, then thicken it back up with STP ...?

Green_Swift · 04-20-2008, 01:41 PM

Well, i've had good luck using STP in the past when it comes to noises at start-up because it coats moving parts and provides protection until oil has begun flowing. I figured I would see how it does. If I still have the issue, I can simply try it without the STP.