2zz Ge Engine Rattle On Startup

[Solar Yellow Elise]

Hi Toyota enthusiasts

I have a 1 year old Lotus Elise with the Toyota 2zz ge engine and from new it has had a slightly worrying tendency to make a short but quite loud rattle from the engine when starting. This occurs maybe 1 in 5 to 1 in 10 times, only lasts for around half a second and only happens when the engine is warm. My Lotus dealer hear in SW France has never heard it before and it doesn't appear to cause a problem (so far). Has any one with a longer experience of these engines any ideas? From the driver's seat (LHD) the noise appears to come from the timing chain end of the motor.

[Vince W]

What grade engine oil are you using?

[Solar Yellow Elise]

What grade engine oil are you using?

Oil is 5W40 as recommended by Lotus. Brand is Motul 300V Power.

[Black Knight]

Far from certain but two possibilities spring to mind.

Possibly the chain is wearing for the timing and the tensioners struggleing to keep tension at start up.

Alternatively it could be the pinion gear on the starter motor not disengaging correctly from the ring gear on the flywheel

[Solar Yellow Elise]

Far from certain but two possibilities spring to mind.

Possibly the chain is wearing for the timing and the tensioners struggleing to keep tension at start up.

Alternatively it could be the pinion gear on the starter motor not disengaging correctly from the ring gear on the flywheel

[Solar Yellow Elise]

Thanks for suggestionscar is due for 10,000km service shortly so I will put them to the garage and let you knw any outcome.

[hoover]

what grade fuel ie (ron99) are you filling up with,any think less than (ron98) the engine will rattle.

HOOVER