Valve Timing Adjustment Actuator *A.K.A* Cold weather start problem

[Takimo]

i believe i have a Valve Timing Adjustment Actuator failure problem. What happen is, on cold start in the morning, there is a noise similar to a sticky bendix, the noise its only 1 or 2 second,. It only happen on cold weather , lets say -5 and plus... and only when the car has stay overnight ... what i heard from here and there , is the variable valve dont lock the oil in the cam gear , so theres no oil pressure ... and the camgear is out of oil and it dry easier because of cold weather.... anyone can confirm????

so if i start in the morning , the noise will come.. but if i shut it off right away and i start again then no noise...

and theres no warning light on dashboard

or maybe is vanos ?

[X5SND]

Which model are we talking about here? Could be a sticky lifter...they're known to make noise on startup if they fail to hold oil pressure in them after the engine is shut down.

[Brandon002]

Try putting a cap or two of ATF in your oil. Drive for a bit. ATF has great detergent properties and can clean/free a sticky lifter without causing engine damage.

[Takimo]

x5 2006 3.0i


the lifter its inside the Valve Timing Adjustment Actuator ??

atf.. well ... hmm u sure its safe ?

[bcredliner]

Does it sound like on single metal to metal sound or so fast you can't distinguish? Does it go away in a couple of seconds? Is it easy to hear inside?

[Brandon002]

I'm 100% sure it's safe. Just a cap or two, not a whole bottle or anything. It's safer than any other additive you could put in your engine. I've used this a ton of times on multiple cars including BMW's and it usually works like a champ.

[bcredliner]

What weight oil are you using?

[Takimo]

ya kind of metal to metal sound... fucking lound... u cant miss that one lol ... the sound duration depend on condition, when its like -20 you can heard it for 2 second... when its like -5 .. its like a split second.. and in summer well no sound , run like a charm

[X5SND]

There's a good thread here: Project M54 Engine: Hydraulic Lifters - E46Fanatics, it explains the operation of the lifters, and what usually causes the tick. Theyre located in the head, so I'd definitely rule everything else out first!

Still waiting to hear what weight oil youre using....

[bcredliner]

You probably know that the colder the weather the more likely you will hear a clatter when you first start an engine after a night of sitting because the oil takes longer to get adequate oil pressure to the engine. Since it is fine in the summer I would change the oil and filter and use a 5-40 wt. Mobil 1 or because of the extreme cold area you are in even 0-40. That will likely cure the problem without adding any other products.