I have a 2004 grand Cherokee I just noticed a clucking louder noise when first starting it for the first few seconds. Is this normal? Only happens the first time started for the day.

 

That is called "dry start up" the oil has drained from between the rod and main bearings, and may have bled off from the lifters. When you start the engine first thing in the morning there is no oil and there will be excessive clearences in the bearings until the oil finally makes it there. The noise is from the clearences, or as some would say, the rods are knocking because of lack of oil. How long has it been since the oil was changed, and what are you running?

 

I would think that it hasn't been too long. I just got this vehicle last Sunday. It is new to me. The oil change says that it is due again at 65000 miles and it only has 61400 miles on it. I have no idea what type of oil to use. Should I worry about it? Should I have them fix something while I still can?

 

A lot of vehicles do this, just make sure not to rev the engine when first starting to give the oil a change to get to where it needs to be. Do not go thicker with the oil, a 10w30 or 10w40 will work just fine. Thicker oil like a 20w50 takes longer to pump.

 

Welcome to CF.
I have an '04 WJ w/the 4.7L V8 that we bought new in '03. It now has 97,000+ miles on it and doesn't use any oil between changes. We've changed the oil & filter at 3,000 mile intervals since day one, and we use 10W30.
Some people suggest a longer interval between changes saying it's a waste of money but I'll stick to my routine. It's quiet on start up, and still runs great.

 

Thanks for the info.