Hi,

I was hoping someone could validate some information.
In looking at the design of the 3.8 having the filter on the top I am assuming that after a set amount of time all of the oil is the filter chamber will drain back into the engine. With that said would it be normal to hear the engine tap for the 1st second or so until oil pressure builds back into the filter assembly. I was told by the service manager at the dealership that 1-3 seconds is considered normal after the engine sitting overnight.
I worked for GM back in the day and hearing engine tap during startup was a no-no but their design always had oil sitting in the filter.
Any information would be appreciated as well as if others are hearing the engine tap during startup.

Thanks in advance, Ken

Ok, let me rephrase :) Has anyone changed their own oil? If so was there oil in the oil filter housing or did it drain back into the engine? If there was oil, how long after the engine was shut off? I know the instructions say to wait 5 minutes to let the oil drain. Has anyone waited longer before removing the filter cap? Was it still full of oil or had it pretty much drained down? Trying to determine if the housing is suppose to stay full of oil or if over time the oil should drain down.

Ken

This post has been edited by kensgn: Feb 24 2007, 11:26 PM

I can't really be sure, and I changed oil on these engines more times than I could ever count. The reason I'm not sure is because as you unscrew the filter cap, the o-ring at the bottom of the plastic stem the oil filter attaches to unseats, draining any oil that might be in there. I always waited a few minutes before unscrewing it (pretty much however long it took to go to the parts counter and get the new filter kit).

Mike,

Thanks for the response. When you start the vehicle after changing the oil it "taps" for a second or so until oil pressure builds. Do you hear this sound when starting a vehicle that has sat for any length of time? I did stop by the dealership today and started a couple of new Entourages and they both had the same tap for that 1st second or so. Not sure if it is the lifters or rod bearings making the noise. I do know the dry start sounds the same as changeing the filter on a "traditional design engine that has the canister type filter at the bottom of the engine and not adding any oil to the filter before startup.
I am just trying to determine if all of these engine tap for that 1st second at startup when the vehicle has been sitting for any length of time. My thoughts are it is by design because after looking in the filter housing I see the holes above where the small o ring seats as well as the hole to the left of the canister which I am guessing in the inlet. I am guessing the oil drains back through the inlet hole over time.

Ken

Just a thought,.... there is an issue with timing chain adjusters on the 3.8. My Entourage was brought in to have it replaced about a month ago. It too was knocking on startup. I also had this happen with my 06 Sonata. Take it to the dealer and ask them to check out the timing chain tensioner. This is oil pressure operated and may be defective causing the noise you hear.

Good Luck,
Ray :)