pls help!!! engine rattle at startup
 

hey guys i have a 2003 range rover with about 58900 miles
i driver him 3 or 4 times a week and when i let it sit for a day or 2
as soon as a start the rover the engine starts making noise like metal taping it only last for about 2 seconds

i would like to know can this damage the engine
and what is the problem

thanks a lot for your help

Metal tapping. Only thing that comes to mind especially if it sits is all the oil has drained to the bottom of the oil pan. Once you start the engine the oil is mixed onto all the parts as it is supposed to do. Since these trucks are known to leak oil or burn it at times MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR OIL. It will only hurt the engine if you do not have the correct amount of oil. In reading many posts you will find that all the fluids need to be checked frequently so that you do not have problems. The truck can't take care of its self to its relying on you!
Good luck Spartan101
RROJ

Your engine probably needs a good flush. The lifters tend to get clogged after awhile. Many on the forums swear by "seafoam" which you can add to the oil, fuel and induction to thoroughly cleanse the system. Some of my cars make that noise from time to time, it just takes a second for the lifters to fill up with oil. There is also the possibility the oil is either to thin or to thick depending on what the current outside temperature is. Look at your viscosity chart in your owners handbook to confirm the rover has the correct oil. Typical range is 10w-40.

Scott is right, it is almost definitely the lifters. My old disco did it all the time at start up. I started using the Lucas Oil treatment and it stopped doing it. As long as the noise goes away within a few seconds you don't have anything to worry about.