Steve's XR8

Hello All,
This is my first input on your bulletin board. Please keep all the subjects happening as I have found some of the info quite useful.
Please help.
I have a 5.0 EFII Ghia travelled 68,000 Km.
Have been a good boy and changed the oil every 5,000 Km's since purchased at 35,000 K's.
During the last change I ran an engine oil flush through system for specified time (have done this every 10,000 K's), drained oil, changed filter and filled with 15W 40 oil.
Now I noticed on cold start up a knocking noise for approx. 1-2 seconds, I am assuming until the oil reaches the rockers.
On hot start I don't notice the knock.
Does anyone have any idea's on what may be the problem.

Jimbaddy

If you're changing the oil every 5,000 km you probably don't need to flush it as well. What brand of oil filter are you using? Some of the "less expensive" brands can create this problem.

Martin

You may try running an oil with a better cold temperature viscosity. Maybe 5W40? I think Helix Ultra is that rating.

kiwis

what petrol are you using?
my elxr8 does the same when i start it in the morning when using unleaded.
but is ok when using premium.

Steve's XR8

Hello Jimbaddy,
Thanks for your reply.
Cannot remember the brand of oil filter. Went looking for a Ryco Z9 but none in stock, so picked up a filter, blue in colour, come to think of it, it did have no-frills packaging.(white box, blue writing, made in Korea or somewere like that)
Do you have a recomendation for Oil Filter brand?
With regards to the engine flush, I checked the dipstick before change. The oil was darker than normal but not bad. After the flush out the oil was totaly black. I am amazed how much varnish and other contaminates can build up in 10,000 K's.
Your right, its probaly not required to be done evrey 10K, but its just something I prefer to do.

Steve's XR8

Hello Martin and Kiwis,
thanks for your input.

I have looked at using the cold start viscosity oils, but feel a little hesitant to try them as I have not seen them recomended by Ford for use in my engine.
Petrol, I have used Optimax for the last three fills and the knock was still present when using regular un-leaded.
I think Jimbaddy might be onto something with the cheap quality filter.

Jimbaddy

Ryco filters are fine. I had this problem on an XR6, fitted a Motorcraft filter, and the noise disappeared and didn't come back.

Steve's XR8

Thanks Jimbaddy,
Will take that on board.
I guess Ford dealers use Motorcraft parts for a good reason.

Steve's XR8

Hello All,
Changed filter to Motorcraft Z9 and filled with Castrol GTX3 10W40 and cold start noise seems to have gone.
Tommorow morning will be the big test.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Steve.

Steve's XR8

Early morning test went excellent. No knocking noise at all. So there will be no more saving a couple of dollars on oil filters. Also I have noticed that the oil pressure guage has stopped its eratic movements.