I have not been able to track this down but I will try to explain what the noise sounds like. In cold weather when I start up my KIA and for the first few minutes it has a ratteling sound from the engine compartment. It does not sound good and I definately drive slow till the noise stops. The noise incresase when accelerating but subsides in normal driving when cold. I was thinking cheap gas might be the cause but I use Shell 87 octane. I also keep my injectors clean with Shaeffers supliment which works very well in all y other cars. I am religeous about oil changes and only run Amsoil as I have for the past 25 years in all my cars. Got any ideas on this one? Thank you

Start off by having a good "shake-rattle-and-roll" of various parts around the engine to make sure there is nothing loose (this can happen with the heat shields on the exhaust, expanding enough when hot to stop rattle?).

Try running a couple of tanks of higher octane fuel (may also blow some of the carbon deposits away too). Note that it takes the ECU a while to adjust to the new fuel, a few days or so.

If it is a definite "engine noise" it could be the oil filter you are using. The Kia needs an oil filter with a non-return valve in it to prevent starvation on start-up from the oil draining back into the sump. If this happens, not only do you not get oil lubricating the surfaces, but you also get no oil going to the hydraulic lash adjusters leading to loud "tappet noise" until they fill again. Try a genuine filter instead of aftermarket.

Don't even get me started about engine noises! lol! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

You may have a cracked exhaust manafold. They sometimes heal when they get hot and expand.

I think that I have read somewere around here that its more or less normal for the sportage when cold, something like piston slaping... but I dont remember well so dont take me for granted...

Sportage engines grumble and growl and tap and all sorts of stuff. Mine has been noisy since about 30k miles. It has about 130k miles on it now. Works fine.

Changed the oil filter. That noise is now gone. Thanks guys.

I get this same noise about every 3,000 - 5,000 miles. It's just the way our baby says it's time to change it's fluids.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Finally found out the real problem. The clutch fan is going out and it causes a rattle in the front of the engine. Months ago when I took it to the steeler dealer I told them to replace the clutch fan when they put on a new fan blade under warrenty. They said the clutch for the fan was OK and the blade was the problem. Back to the dealer next week as now they have agreed to replace this part.

Also while it is there they are going to replace the emergency gas door pull located on the right side back in the panel, the resonator bracket located behind the intake manafold and recheck the exhaust for a leak since it is now making a noise again since they replaced the muffler and tail pipe. The 5 year warrenty runs out in October of 2007 so I am trying to keep up with all this stuff since it is being done for free.

I enjoy reading all your posts but I am 56 years old and my off road days are about over. Back in the late 60's we used to put chev small blocks in WWII surplus jeep CJ2A's for off road use. Those were the days.