Almighty knocking noise on startup...

[rgjusa]

I leave my 92 Explorer V6 4.0, 225,000 on the clock, for a month at a time and when I come back to start it, although it (touch wood) starts every time it makes a horrendous knocking noise as I suspect all the oil drains down in that month, so is running dry for a while until it starts to work its way around again. It sounds like a big end knocking noise.

Are there any hints and tips as to what to do? Are there any oil additives I could do to make the situation better? I will likely have someone start it once a week now as I thought the end was nigh this time. Ta.

 

[MarcDellario]

I would put some brand of the teflon additive, like Prolong, in the oil, when you can run it for a few days. Ideally cranking the motor over without ignition or spark would reoil the motor bearings without the motor starting. You could possible install a cut out switch. I can't tell for sure w/o hearing the sound but I suspect you're on your way to some major engine repairs down the road, possibly a rod is knocking. Good luck

 

[Bobmbx]

Your lifters are leaking down, and they'll rattle like hell until they get pumped full of oil after the engine starts.

If you ran the truck everyday you'd probably never notice it.

Whats the fix? Overhaul the valve train.