Clunk on engine start

[jackass]

In the last few weeks I sometimes hear a single clunk sound from the engine when starting when cold.
Engine turns over as normal, immediately when the engine fires a single clunk can sometimes be heard, usually in about 1 in 10 times.
When the engine has warmed up it doesn't happen.
Everything is normal, no smoke blows, the car is running fine.
I have checked out the glow plugs and glow system all OK.
I'm thinking it may be the starter motor not returning as quick as it should when cold but I can't narrow it down. The noise happens right when the starter should be dis-engaging.
May pull the starter out and have a look, but before I do any suggestions.
Much appreciated.
Geoff.

 

[pointblank5]

Kinda like the clack sound you get when you badly labour a petrol car? Mine does it too sometimes. Was thinking engine mounts but they look ok...

 

[sparra04]

timing chain tensioners do struggles to get pressure on cold mornings
they tend to slap for the first 20 seconds till they get oil pressure
is noise coming from front of engine?
its a common complaint

 

[happy john]

Check your exhaust isn't hitting anything particularly the rear spring shackles.
My beau exhaust used to give one tap sometimes just on startup.

 

[jackass]

Its an occasional single clunk noise when the engine fires.
Geoff.

 

[Navmania]

I have been getting one on shutdown. I have checked everything except body mounts? Don't know if this would cause it only the once tho.

 

[johnbritto]

my d22 yd25 started doing same thing at 120000 gradually got to be more frequent . I put a stethoscope on and seemed to be coming from timing case I started to worrie then I realised I was about 5000 overdue for oil change I usually change the lot every 10000 but I forgot .. long story short changed oil havnt heard the noise since