Knocking noise on cold start

[Braddale]

I have a 2000 with 200,000 kms on it, oil changed every 4 months original owner and does not burn oil.

Over the past couple winters (live in Canada) I have noticed a knocking noise on cold starts that goes away once the car has been warmed up. Engine runs great, just noticed that this winter the noise is louder, the only thing I can think of is I have never had the valves adjusted and I used 10W30 for the winter.

Thanks.

Also wondered if it could be the serpentine tensioner

[Bitter]

try 5w-30 in the winter.

[AlaricD]

Or year 'round.

In the winter, if it gets ridiculously cold, you might even use 0W-30 to get oil moving and protecting parts as soon as possible. That first few seconds where the engine is running but the oil isn't can be damaging. Of course, take it easy until the engine's warmed up to ensure nothing is still brittle.

[Braddale]

Originally Posted by AlaricD

Or year 'round.

In the winter, if it gets ridiculously cold, you might even use 0W-30 to get oil moving and protecting parts as soon as possible. That first few seconds where the engine is running but the oil isn't can be damaging. Of course, take it easy until the engine's warmed up to ensure nothing is still brittle.

Good advice,

I guess with the cars age and mileage it would start making some noise in the winter. It is definitely temperature related, and I do drive it gently till the temperature gauge starts to move.

Is OW30 a common grade of oil?

[Bdub215]

sounds like piston slap. 0w30 is very common i dont know if there's walmarts in canada but you can get mobil-1 0w-30 full synthetic for 25 bucks.