Since winter really hit here in ohio, when bringing my engine from a cold start in the mornings or anytime the block temp drops substantially I hear chattering sounds for a while until the engine heats up. What are these sounds ?

 

Valve sounds?

 

probably piston slap or a rod knock.

You need to run a thinner oil for winter or a block heater if it gets that cold

 

Could be what Emerika said. The less frightening answer is valvetrain. It takes a while for the oil to reach the head than the crankcase, so the valves will tap loudly until they are lubricated/warmed up. I've been told this by several dealerships concerning our other cars.

 

the way to corect this problem the cheapest way is to perform a valve lash adjustment
its quick and easy and alot cheapper than low end repaires

if any questions just ask

 

Ok, whats a valve lash adjustment?


I would have done the valve stem clearance adjustment by now but it's winter now and I have no garage. I am already behind since I need to get my coolant changed and a block warmer installed and I don't have anywhere to do it.

I could go out and bare the cold one day but I'm still beatin around the bush.