thanks

 

Does the car idle smoothly?
If not for the noise, would you even know anything was wrong?
Is it really only at idle frequency or is it masked by engine noise?

And you're sure it's coming from oil pan?

My two first thoughts if smooth:
1. Heat shield rattle (might sound like coming from the engine): open up hood and idle. Wear gloves (for heat) and push down on the heat shield to see if that makes a difference.

2. Cat honeycomb rattle: probably not if you think it's coming from the engine compartment, but the catalytic converter has been known to have part of the catalyst break off and rattle inside. That's a warranty fix up to 8 years (emission part).

Just some preliminary thoughts.

 

Thanks for the reply CKit. Engine idles fine, if there were no noise I would think everything is fine. I am pretty sure it is coming from the oil pan, I laid under the car yesterday after oil change and just about had my ear on the pan. However, I will check the heat shield, since I never have before. I also own an automotive stethescope, so I will use that on the oil pan. I am hoping to just be paranoid and everyone here can point and laugh - much better than going the route of possible engine surgery. I will also check the CAT. Again, thank you.

 

I just started the car cold, listened very specifically for the noise I am hearing. Actually used stethescope and stuck my ear on the oil pan. The noise seems to be above the pan, I would still call it a rattle, something like a wrist pin, but I can't be sure. Noises can bounce around a bit. I have never had valves adjusted, perhaps I am getting an echo from top end. I checked heat shields and didn't find anything loose and it did not change the sound. I wish I had another car to compare to, like I said, maybe I am just a bit paranoid.

 

Not even worth debating - take it in and have it checked out! Any way you look at it, it won't get better...