Annoying rattle on start up

Guys,

I have an annoying rattle on start up from cold ( Mk1 MGF 1.. Its not tappets or top end, it sounds like a loose fan rattling against something. The sound only comes when the engine is on fast idle from cold as when its warm, you get nothing. Nothing appears to be loose, but its nagging me that I could drive off one day and leave parts behind on the drive.

Any ideas or something similar with your cars?

Tourbillon

I dont know of any of the fans that are programmed to initiate on startup, if its only on fast idle then I think it has to be engine related.

Do you have VVC?

Could the exhaust heat shield be slightly loose, enough that it rattles when cold but not when it gets hot and expands a bit?

I have a non VVC engine. Rich's comment sounds logical as as soon as the engine is warm there is no noise so Think something may be working itself loose.

Tourbillon

It's a rather old MGF. I recall there had been some issues with loose pipes for the hydragas system or brake lines at the early cars.
Would recommend to check this at first.
Other is already said. Wherin the engine holder comes in my mind. Worth to check aswell.

How long does the rattling last for?

just until the engine is warm e.g off fast idle

I would think it would take a bit longer for any exhaust heatshield to warm up. In the back of my mind I have a niggling thought about lack of oil in the top of the engine as its draining into the sump when left for long periods.

Luckymarine wrote: I would think it would take a bit longer for any exhaust heatshield to warm up. In the back of my mind I have a niggling thought about lack of oil in the top of the engine as its draining into the sump when left for long periods.

Exhaust manifold shield heats up pretty quickly. :yesnod:

But check the bracket on the oil filler, that can crack and rattle.

I tend to agree, it could be hydraulic tappets starved of oil, know of a case of blocked pick up in sump that caused this noise. :rant:

Thanks Guys, i will have the root around, doesn't sound to me Engine internals, more of some loose ancillary. Oil filler I will give a wiggle as well