Why does my 350 knock for 3 seconds when I start it? Oil pump or worse?

no but I have one. Maybe Ill do that today.

 

It sounds like it's rid knock but isn't... why because the oil pump doesn't lubricate the rods

 

i started the car around 1pm and it did make the sound but very lightly and only for 2 seconds max. So there is an improvement with the oil change and filter. I may just crank the engine until pressure on the gage and then start it until the next oil change and then use a non wix filter like ac delco and see if that is the culprit. As I stated earlier, I never noticed this before until I put a wix on it the oil change before this one. Im thinking its the wix. If that doesnt fix it Im going to use the Fox Den system to save my precious bearings.

 

Filter...

 

You could get a turbosaver/preluber canister. Get an electric gate valve for it . flip on before you crank it and turn it off when it starts and recharges canister.

 

Pre-Lube. Nice. Mother nature has a lot to teach us about engines doesnt she. And now I had my laugh for the day. Thanks for that!

 

The Fram filter that was racing was called HP2 Fram. This one is longer than stock holds about 1 qt. I used this filters for years before I changed to the Wix filter. Just make sure if you use my 50-50 mix it is Mobile 1 oil, their regular standard synthetic you can get at wall mart.

You do not need the extended formula unless you want to go about 7000+ between oil changes I go about 5000 miles with the regular 10-30 in all cars. Their 15-50 mobile one is not extended performance formula and you may not find this in the 1 gallon pail. This you will probably have to buy in qts. The 15-50 is a race formula and you will be able to read on the back the info on the zinc added to it.

We have a ford 4.3 v6 in a Ranger and it has 135000 miles and it has used nothing but the 10-30 Mobile one and does not make a sound.

I have 155.000 on my Toyota Corolla XRS using 5-30 Mobile 1. 8 grand rpm no problem.

Not trying to promote Mobile 1 I just know it works.

 

Gary, if you are using a WIX or NAPA Gold filter I suggest you get rid of it immediately! The anti drain back valves in those filters are TRASH. I have used Wix filters a few times over the years and every time my 350 would take 2-3 times longer to build oil pressure. I recently used a Puralator Pureone filter and although the filter is physically smaller, I have quick oil pressure again.

 

Doesn't for a 455 gbody either. Actually had to trim idler bolt at frame for clearance to get filter off.

 

So what do you think of AC delco filters? So I should just do a completely new oil change asap? I mean, I hope I havent ruined my engine with all those cold starts for the last 3 or 4 months or longer. Its been a while.

 

Not sure about AC filters now. I ordered a box of them 6-7 years ago and recently ran out. Those were great filters. Around here no one stocks the PF24, so that's why I recently tried a Wix. In my case, since the oil was still new I just changed to the Puralator filter and left the oil alone. I didn't loose but a couple ounces of oil because the Wix filter was empty. (Of course)

I am paranoid and thoroughly inspect each oil filter I buy before purchase. As long as it appears to be of decent quality I am okay with it. Recently I checked some other model AC filters at the store and they looked very cheap. I can't speak for the PF24 though.

If I had to guess, I imagine your engine is completely fine. That noise on startup is mainly just an annoyance.

 

Also, did I not read recently here that somebody reduced knock time by using an even smaller filter? I personally wouldn't do it; that may not be enough filter for the type of driving you do. Note that we have people who race their Buicks to some pretty high speeds (without blowing up) that knock at start up. I think it boils down to something of little concern. Though I will admit I don't like it either- mine does it as well, occasionally.

 

A knock in any engine is not good and should not be forgotten about.

 

I agree 100%. Knocking is unacceptable to me, based on my machinery background. (I know what I said above). At the moment, the engine in my car has quite a few miles on it but runs well, so I'm not going to address it quite yet. In my case, it is lifter noise for less than a second, after sitting for more than one day. Personally, always having been a Chevy guy; I've never experienced that sort of issue. My answer will probably be to install an auxiliary oil pump that I run for a few seconds prior to cranking it up. Such equipment exists already. If I put enough knobs and switches on the dash, no one else in my family will want to drive it, so that is an ulterior motive. Of course, I could make it all microprocessor driven. That would be kind of fun- put the key in, turn it, and the car doesn't start until it goes through a pre-programmed routine.

 

In your case it sounds as tho you have a lifter in it's way out. That couple of seconds is the lifter beating on the cam lobe:-(. This lifter can be probably be detected by a non or slow spinning push rod. Best of luck to ya bud

 

IMO, these posts condemning the engine are just not realistic. My 350 sometimes has a slight tick, tap, knock, or (whatever you want to call it) when started until oil pressure builds. It has been this way for tens of thousands of miles and is nothing to be concerned about. The oil pressure my engine makes is also exactly the same as it was the day I dropped it in back in 2010.

 

Yes, the cam looked a little worn when I put the new intake manifold on. I'll need to generate some cash for that replacement. I'll just run it for now, though. I had a 305 SBC in it for 13 years, and had a line on a 350 SBC, for cheap. If I had done that instead of dropping in the 350 Buick, I wouldn't be posting about internal engine noises...but that's what can happen with a used engine, of any stripe.

 

It's no real biggie as in it won't leave you stranded . I'm sure you'll ride worry free for miles, but keep an eye on it. I've never really been fond of the non adjustable valve lash these engines have. Any hoo... good luck there bud.