Corsa engine noise at startup

martyc5674

Hi there
The old lads corsa d(09) has developed a noise that's only present for a few seconds at startup. It's the 1.2 ecoflex engine.
This is not my video but it's identical to this.

http://youtu.be/0mC2HDp-HkM

The noise appears to be linked to oil pressure... When the oil light goes out the noise stops...it's not a mechanical/harsh noise.
It's only there if engine has sat for a few minutes.
It's got about 80k on it I think and he looks after it we'll...serviced about 1000 miles ago.

So far have changed oil pressure switch and oil filter which was slightly collapsed looking.
Next I'm going to hook up oil pressure gauge to ensure we have pressure.
Was thinking then of taking down the dump to see if pickup is partially blocked.

A bit of reading up suggests hydraulic cam lifters or timing chain.
I can't understand how a chain would be noisier at startup but I can see how a lifter might alter the tone of the engine.
Marty.

Lucifer

It's the chain. They usually make noise on start up and get noisy when warm. I see about 1 of these every week. Usually caused by not changing oil and filter on time.

martyc5674

Cheers lucifer
I take it your a mechanic in an Opel garage.
The noise isn't mechanical/harsh and it's literally for a few seconds and seems to go away in tandem with oil light going out.
Is there a reason for this do you know?
I thought if it were chain noise would not go away and would be metal on metal type noise.
Chain looks handy enough to do, is it normal to have to replace sprockets aswell?
Cheers
Marty.

MercMad

You need to change the chain and tensioner. Common problem. I would suggest changing the oil and filter more often and use quality oil.

martyc5674

Cheers
He has changed oil and filter regularly but he bought car with 90k on it

Still wondering about theory tho as to why noise goes after a few seconds.
I see the tensioner is hydraulic so guessing this has something to do with it.
Marty.