Hi All,

I am hoping someone can give me some input. I have a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3.8L engine. On cold mornings (below freezing) when I start the car there is a very pronounced engine knock that lasts for about 5 minutes until the car warms up a little and then it disappears. When the engine has not been sitting all night and I start it there is no engine noise. I just changed the oil and but a quart of lucas oil in hoping that would help with the issue, but so far it has not had any effect. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

Sounds like it might be piston slap. If you have warrenty,have the dealer look at it. If you have no warrenty left,you can leave it[if it is a piston slap]as no damage is being done. Piston slap can be considered some what normal in some of todays engines. Todays engine have next to no piston skirt. The noise heard is the piston slapping in the cylinder until it expands to fit the cyl bore.

 

The wrist pins maybe causing your pistons to slap.

 

Thanks guys,
I'll take it in and have the dealer look at it. I have 10k left on the powertrain warranty. This should be covered under the powertrain right?

 

Just curious levistar, how can there be no damage if it's slapping enough to create noise, there must be SOME damage or accelerated wear going on. Granted it may not be imminent failure, but I wouldn't consider it ok. I agree if it's still under warranty whether it's a 3/36 or 7/70 powertrain warranty, he should get it fixed.

quenthcb,
Yes, it should be covered. It may cost a deductable (about $100) but it's well worth it.