Metal cracking sounds associated with heat

[HEXEM]

Strange thread topic I know but it was hard to title it.

Basically since the new motor went in after driving the car for 30min it gets nice and warm (hot).

When I stop and get out of the car there is sound of cracking metal coming from either the engine or exhaust system. I associate it with the cooling of the metal and it contracting as heat dissipates. It can be quite loud and its something that the car has never done before.

Anyone able to tell me if its normal or what it could be? missaligned exhaust system? etc etc. It sounds crap when it does it so if it can be stopped it would be good. Car is completely stock standard.

Cheers
Phil

[Smitty]

geez..you should hear my exhaust on the wagon as it cools
it crackles tinks and goes crack for a good 20-30 mins
(after a 40 min run home from one of our factories)

normal I say! :D

[nikvyss]

I say it's normal too nearly all the cars iv owned make that noise

[aaron1828]

Sounds quite normal but if u unsure have a look to make sure the exhaust ihas not move and touching any of the heat shields etc

[poolkeeper]

Fairly normal, mine does it

[HEXEM]

Yeah I figured it would be normal. Just never noticed it before.

Anyway I retensioned the exhaust system and the issue is just about gone. There is only a little bit of noise now, much better...

Cheers
Phil