Cold Start Knock

[PerusTC]

I just purchased a 1997 GT w/all the options of the GTP except the supercharger.When you first start the car in the AM it knocks for a few seconds until it warms up a little and then quits.It is a low end knock.Weak oil pump?Age?(265,000 miles,K motor)Bearings approaching end of life?I am disabled and the "person"I bought it from drove it here twice for what I assume was to keep me from hearing the knock before warm up.The car runs PERFECT and silent after it gets warm. Issue 2: The SRS light stays on for some reason. Thank you for the help in advance

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Check the oil level?

[PerusTC]

Yes,it is full.I may be an idiot but,I am an OLD idiot.I can remember the basics.

[mkyota1]

I would say that with those miles it is well worn. If you want to try to make it last as long as possible I would suggest trying Lucas brand oil stabilizer. It helps keep the engine "primed" better which helps with the dry starts. It is by no means a permanent fix but should extend the life. I know of a few engines that lasted 10k+ with a dry knock. Just dont beat on it.

[PerusTC]

Thx Mkyota1.I really appreciate it.I am going to put Amsoil in it first and some Sea Foam.I have used Lucas products most of my adult 58 years so I really like their stuff.Although mostly in motorcycles.Like I said it is whisper quiet after the initial startup so I am hoping for the best.I am disabled and can't afford to buy another vehicle.As far as beating on it....LOL.....I drive it like my grandmother and she didn't ever drive.

[FordMan77]

One other thought is that the oil filter is junk, allowing the oil to drainback and causing a knock at startup. When you change the oil and add the lucas make sure to get a quality filter (NOT Fram). I run Wix on both my 3800's and have yet to hear a cold start knock.

[PerusTC]

I think I have the sit-rep.I started the car this morning and did NOT give it any gas at all and it didn't make a sound.It is as quiet as when it is running normally.I am guessing it is the oil filter also.Slow pick-up when first starting the engine and revving it.I use Wix or Amsoil filters in everything.It has a Purolator on it at the present....UGH!As soon as my oil and filter gets here the old one is toast.i put front tires on it today and it needs rear shocks.Any inexpensive ideas on rear shocks would be welcomed.Thanks again for the input.

[FordMan77]

For the rear struts you could go with monroe. They should have a quik-strut setup where all you do it just remove the old, slap in the new and call it good. If they don't come with upper strut mounts then you will need those too.

If those are too much $$$ then you can get just the strut and new upper mount and install yourself, as long as you have a way to compress the spring safely to remove it from the old assembly.

[PerusTC]

Thanks,I saw the Monroe's on sale at NAPA but I usually go to O'Reilly's.I like their warranties better.I will probably go with the whole shebang since the old ones are jello.

[Scottydoggs]

does this knocking sound more like a clapping sound from the rockers, lifters loose pressure over night when they get old. clap for a few seconds at start up till they pump up.

mine does this when the oil is past 3,000 miles sometimes. change oil, no more clapping.

side note, GM says this lifter clapping is ok as long as it stops with in a minute or so after start up.

[PurpleGuy]

SRS light is probably the clockspring in the steering wheel

[Scottydoggs]

if you have radio steering wheel controls that dont work anymore the clock spring broke. it does both the radio buttons, and the airbag.

also clean any yellow plugs you find, under the drivers seat, under the dash, by the obd2 port, and then theres the airbag module under the pass seat and under the rug. they go bad as well.

[PerusTC]

I will know more when I change the oil and filter.As far as the knock it was definitely a low end tok tok tok.It does not do it if you start the car normally without revving the engine.The SRS deal is that the clock doesn't work but the wheel controls do.I figured it wasn't a big deal just an irritation.Thanks again for all the info.Just sold my Drum kit so....another pair of tires tomorrow and probably my head unit installed with a new set of speakers.