2013 LR4 5.0L Cold start knocking noise

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DrTobiasFunke

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This isn’t my vehicle in the video but it makes the same noise. Happens only on very cold mornings. Is this normal or do I need to replace a failing part? The comments in the video says it’s a faulty fan clutch. Can anyone else confirm this?

With Winter around the corner I was also wondering if I should install a LR engine warmer. Some winter mornings can be around -15F. I thought it would provide less wear and tear thru more consistent lubrication during the initial warm up. Unnecessary?


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AGLR4

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I see an engine warmer as being more beneficial in the past when thicker oils were used. Now with the 5W20 or 0W20 oils, they are still quite thin even at cold temperatures. I don't know that it would benefit you much by warming the engine at least from the lubrication standpoint.

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SkyTree

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When the engine is off, are you able to:

(1) move the fan easily with your hand and freewheel it around... or...
(2) is it locked into place and won't move?

Either of these are 2 solid symptoms of a bad fan clutch.


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DirtyHal

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Mine makes that same ticking noise, and has since I bought it 2.5years and 60k miles ago.

on my last oil change I switched to the liqui moly 0w-20 and I used their Motor oil flush, ceratec and motor oil saver products as well. The engine is now significantly quieter. I plan on sending a sample in on this next oil change to get it analyzed.

Edit: I should clarify, the oil products did nothing about the ticking. Just general engine noise is down.
 

SkyTree

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Mine makes that same ticking noise, and has since I bought it 2.5years and 60k miles ago.

on my last oil change I switched to the liqui moly 0w-20 and I used their Motor oil flush, ceratec and motor oil saver products as well. The engine is now significantly quieter. I plan on sending a sample in on this next oil change to get it analyzed.

Edit: I should clarify, the oil products did nothing about the ticking. Just general engine noise is down.
I'm sure it's crossed your mind, but could it be that your guides are wearing and your timing chain is getting loose over time?

I've seen different/better oil make engines work more quietly for sure, so it could be that simple, but on these engines, any non-normal "ticking" is cause for keeping a very close ear to the hood, as I'm certain you know.


SkyTree

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DirtyHal

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I'm sure it's crossed your mind, but could it be that your guides are wearing and your timing chain is getting loose over time?

I've seen different/better oil make engines work more quietly for sure, so it could be that simple, but on these engines, any non-normal "ticking" is cause for keeping a very close ear to the hood, as I'm certain you know.


SkyTree

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I'm fairly certain it's just the fan clutch. At one point I had my mechanic check it out and they said the chains were fine. Also, the noise from a loose timing chain is quite a bit different.

My Oil Anecdote was in relation to the OP's cold start concerns, I think the Liqui Moly ceratec works well to reduce friction during cold starts.
 

SkyTree

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I'm fairly certain it's just the fan clutch. At one point I had my mechanic check it out and they said the chains were fine. Also, the noise from a loose timing chain is quite a bit different.

My Oil Anecdote was in relation to the OP's cold start concerns, I think the Liqui Moly ceratec works well to reduce friction during cold starts.
Ah, I see. Happy to hear your chain is in good shape! Just had to make the obligatory timing mention. Haha

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DrTobiasFunke

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I just went out to spin the clutch fan, it has some resistance and but moves with ease and immediately stops- it doesn’t freely spin after. Seems ok?

If I do replace the fan clutch, I read elsewhere here I should replace the water pump and coolant lines. Is there a particular OEM kit I should get for the water pump? I know this is a weak point for the Vehicle. For the coolant lines I read people converted theirs to metal, but idea seemed fringed. Once again, is this overkill?
 

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