Engine Rattling when Cold

[xMaDxPeNgUiNx]

I am a newbie here who recently purchased my first DSM. I have a 1997 Eclipse GS in good condition with 96000 miles on it. Recently, I have noticed that when I start the engine when it is cold, I hear a reattling noise coming from the bottom end that goes away when the engine warms up. I am worried about this as I have heard that this could be the main bearings or a piston. I like the car very much, but don't want to incur a lot of repair costs. Any insight would be great.

Thanks

 

[gurmanator]

piston slap.see what your oil preassure is and do a compression test cold and then hot.

 

[xMaDxPeNgUiNx]

My car is not equipped with an oil guage, I guess it would be something a mechanic could check out.

Is this a potentially expensive problem?

 

[gurmanator]

it could be a big problem and exspensive.

 

[xMaDxPeNgUiNx]

Any ideas on how I should proceed? Sell the car maybe? Buy a remanufactured engine?

 

[gurmanator]

have you done any engine work before?find out what the problem is exactly to see if you need to rebuild or not.I do my own work so I would just pull the motor and rebuild.

 

[xMaDxPeNgUiNx]

Thanks... I took the car in to get completely checked out today. I should have an answer tomorrow regarding the exact problem. I will post what it was when the shop calls me back.