Hi All - Since the weather here in North Texas, I've noticed on several occasions when starting the car cold in the morning there is a knocking noise in the engine. After running for a min or so, the noise starts to slowly subside. While driving the car throughout the day, and starting it up several times, I no longer hear that noise.. Has anyone experienced this on there RL?

Furthermore, I've noticed here in the past several weeks, the chime notification on the dashboard of oil pressure/level for a split second appears and then it disappears. I've checked the oil level in the car and it's full. This chime notification occurs as you're slowing down at a traffic light/stop..

I informed my mechanic of this issue and he mentioned that if the oil level is fine and the engine is making a knocking noise in the morning and also getting that oil pressure/level chime notification, seems the oil pump is starting to go bad.. Since the RL has 92k, he's recommending to change the Oil pump when replacing the timing belt..

Has anyone experienced this engine knocking noise in the mornings and the oil pressure level notification chime sporadically?

 

The oil pump seals are notorious to go bad on the J35A8, it honestly wouldn't surprise me if your pump is going bad...

 

Knocking is never a good noise..

The pump is only 130 bucks online through an Acura parts site

 

Thanks for the feedback.. I'm going to go ahead and change the Oil Pump for the benefit of the doubt when i change the timing belt..

I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome.

 

Cobra, what weight of motor oil do you use? The reason I ask is that we live in the same general area and my higher mileage RL (151k) has not shown any signs of low oil pressure. I have always used a heavier of oil than what is listed on the cap due to the local climate the cars operate in.

My 2001 CL is also on its original oil pump and seals though I am planning to change the seals when I do the timing belt later this year (running perfectly - though there is a slow oil leak from that general area). Is there any difference between oils pumps across the J series range? (anyone).

 

Hi odinisamu - I use Castrol GTX High Mileage (5w-20) which is a synthetic blend and a K&N oil filter.

Now given that this fall we've had warm and cold mornings.. I've noticed that it only makes that knocking noise when it's cold and in warm mornings it just starts up "normal" (meaning no knocking noise). I've got 93k and here next week i'm just going to go ahead and change the timing belt (seals, tensioners), serpentine belt, water pump, Oil pump and seals, spark plugs, and brakes.. I'm hoping with all that, the noise will go away.