Cold Engine Starting

[Mtn.Rush]

Anybody else get a strange noise in the engine upon cold weather start-up?
It actually sounds like the pistons were frozen overnight in the engine and break free on start-up, like a loud metal clunk. It only happens when the car sits for a day or 2 and I am guessing its because the oil has settled. I have had this since day one and find it odd. Anyone else get this?
2008 V8 Limited

 

[Will_4R]

Can you describe the noise?

 

[TYLER_G]

No, I have not noticed any such noise. It's been around -5 to 15 deg. for the last few days. Hope it's nothing serious.

 

[raydouble]

That sounds far from normal.

 

[morphius909]

Ours is garaged in an attached garage, but still we head out and it sits in our cold tundra for hours on end so basically it's fairly well frozen.

Never have heard any noises that you describe.

 

[raydouble]

Take it to the dealership while it's still under warranty.....I would have been there the first time I heard that on a brand new vehicle.

 

[gptoy96]

That does sound odd, something I'd get checked out for sure if warranty was still around.

I'm on my 2nd winter with my 04, had a few mornings -30 and below, not plugged in, only sound I get is a little belt squeel(sp?) that goes away pretty quick.

 

[scottm]

Just speculation, but that seems more likely a starter noise than frozen pistons. Unless they've changed it, the starter is under the intake near the rear of the engine, not fun to get to, a dealer won't be eager to check that. It's a heavy and powerful mechanism buried deep in the engine, could easily make a heavy clunk.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

Just speculation, but that seems more likely a starter noise than frozen pistons. Unless they've changed it, the starter is under the intake near the rear of the engine, not fun to get to, a dealer won't be eager to check that. It's a heavy and powerful mechanism buried deep in the engine, could easily make a heavy clunk.

Thanks Im thinking its not the piston, but thats the only way I could describe the noise, its not that loud and it could very well be the starter. Its not that big of a deal though (at least I hope not) , thanks for the responces.

 

[DaBoostCreep]

I'm willing to bet...............

Your defroster is on when you started the vehicle. The sound is the compressor engaging.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

I'm willing to bet...............

Your defroster is on when you started the vehicle. The sound is the compressor engaging.

Hmmmm the front defroster.....I may have to back her out of the garage and let it sit overnight outside and make sure its shut off for a frosty re-start in the AM. Im not thinking thats it but hell ill give it a shot.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

I'm willing to bet...............

Your defroster is on when you started the vehicle. The sound is the compressor engaging.

Ok I made sure the defroster was off upon cold start up for the last couple of days and.......................so far its worked no noise! I hope this was the problem and not just a fluke that it is no longer making that sound. Only time will tell as it gets colder. Thanks again for the suggestion (and HOPEFULLY) the solution.:cheers:

 

[scottm]

Awesome, keep us posted.

 

[03v8sportt4r]

Hmmm now i am starting to wonder what that noise might be. I live in texas and the other day my 03 V8 made a very similar noise. But so did my wifes camry and my bosses 08 tacoma so I just wrote it off as a very cold morning for us 8 degrees but it hasn't made that noise again. Curisious to see what you find out.

 

[U.G.N.]

I know this is a very old thread I'm bringing back. I noticed my 2008 4Runner sounded louder this winter. Is it possible it's related to Mobil 1 EP 5W-30 fully synthetic oil I changed for before winter or the new serpentine belt? Tension of the belt is within normal range. I have 2006 Lexus LX 470 with the same engine and the same oil but it does not make the same sound (It sounds like knocking or pinging from outside).