Apr 05, 2016 · Went for a short drive (about 6 miles) and shut the car off in the driveway. A few minutes later went to start it back up and pull into the garage, heard a horrible clunking when the motor first turned over, followed by a rattle/knocking sound that happens after releasing the throttle when revving in neutral. Sep 03, 2009 · The most obvious cause of this condition would simply be low oil level. Not surprising, if there’s not enough oil circulating in the engine it will make noise! Also an engine that hasn’t had regular oil changes can become sludged and oil passages, including the one that leads to the timing chain tensioner can become restricted.