Piston Slap?

[Ivan141]

Hi Guys,

I'm recently noticing a nasty knocking sound coming from my engine when it's cold. It's a low frequency tap that is pretty loud these days (subzero temps around here). I can only hear it when the engine is under load.
I'm afraid this old engine of mine is on it's way to an early retirement. I suspect it may be a slapping piston, which would explain the sound going away when it's warmed up, question is, will it survive this condition for a while, or should I start putting some money into rebuilding my old engine?

[NoHachi]

If its piston slap, you should be ok..just make sure that you don't load the engine to much when cold..

Then again..the fact that it only does this under load makes me think it might be bearing.

[Ivan141]

I would expect a bearing to give a higher pitched noise, but you never know. I'll let you have a listen this weekend. I'm starting to look around for rebuild parts in the meantime...you never know how soon you'll need 'em.