98 GT engine start up knock

[xpstang]

I have a 98 GT with 105,000 mi and I started getting a knocking noise from my valves only on start up. Car runs great otherwise. A shop told me that its normal and nothing I can do about it. "Its the cars growing pains"
I am worried it is damaging my car. Any info would help.

 

[donjohn]

nothing wrong with it... you could run a higher octane fuel and it might go away. Or, you can adjust timing to get rid of it, but your mpg and/or performance would probably suffer. What you're hearing is known as 'pinging'... search that and you'll find tons of info

this is the V6 forum too, you might have better luck in the GT ones.

edit: i just read it's only on startup... in that case, i wouldn't worry about it

 

[TheCrazy1]

Could it be a death rattle? It's considered normal and Ford has it listed in the TSB's. Do a search on the forums here for 'death rattle' and see if it matches what you're getting. I wonder if Lucas oil additive would help...

 

[98stangv8]

why double post this? you posted in the 4.6 section....no need to post in the v6!