Noiseystart on cold days on my xk8

[ks11ses]

On start up the engine on my xk8 makes a right old racket it eventually gets back to normal after a minute or so it appears to be worse the colder it is .the belt was replaced last year with a genuine jag one any thoughts

Kenny sessford

[PTR200Jag]

Welcome to the site

Probably going to need a bit more information than that which you have written regarding the noise.

What year is it?
How many miles has it done?
Is it serviced regularly?
Does it rattle?,tinkle?, boom? etc? rotational noise? leaking noise? squeak noise?

How long does it take to settle down to what you might presume to be quiet?

When you say "worse the colder it is" do you mean cold engine start or colder environment?

If cold engine then, when its warm but not hot, does the noise occur?

Following on from that regarding other things to check,
Is the oil level correct?
When did you last change the oil and filter?
Have the cam chain tensioners been changed?
You say the belt was changed last year? did the noise start after that? tensioner maybe?

[mike020150]

Many of the noisy 'start from cold' queries are due to wear in the VVTs (variable valve timing units). Typically, the noise from this cause persists until the revs reach above a fast idle. Wear in the VVTs allows oil to drain back overnight, resulting in a clattery start until oil pressure is released into the VVT units as the revs rise, building sufficiently to lubricate and quieten everything. An incorrect oil grade might exacerbate the problem so ensure the recommended lubricant is being used. Otherwise, replacing the faulty unit or units is the only cure for this cause of noise. As Peter suggested, ensure you eliminate belt issues etc first before pulling an engine apart to tackle the VVTs. Mike.

[ks11ses]

Hi Guys
Thanks for your comments
About the car it is an early 97 one owner car before I bought it 1year ago to the day with a nearly full service history by main dealership in Bristol.
Mileage was just over 100000 oil was very clean but no history of any thing being changed
The alternator failed with in 2 weeks ,new one fitted along with belt 3weeks later we were in northern Spain with JEC for the Big One the car was great , total miles to date 103000
The noise first started end of last year clunk , clunk but quickly went , sounds like belt flapping against plastic surround ,it.has got progressively louder and takes longer to go
Tried to send a moving picture with sounds but computer said no
Cheers Ken

[PTR200Jag]

Definitely think I would be looking at the belts after your description of the sound.......... flapping suggests frayed belts or tensioner problem