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I have a 1995 Toyota Rav4 which has just been serviced.

Every so often, on a cold start, there will be a small quick rattle as the oil light goes out which seems to take longer than before also.

I have tried fitting a genuine oil filter which has made an improvement but not cured the problem completely.

What could be causing this and what might help?

No noises when the engine is warm, and the rattle is not apparent on every cold start.

Colleen

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 April 2010

It sounds to me like the engine is lacking oil pressure on those cold starts.

The noise you can hear may be the bearings knocking prior to the pressure building up in the engine. It needs to be investigated ASAP if you didn't hear the noise prior to the service.

It may be the oil used is not the correct viscosity.

Damage to the engine bearings is a major and expensive repair.