Definition of discourse marker noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
When an engine starts knocking, one of the first things a mechanic will check is the oil pressure. A warning light may come on in the car, and adding sufficient oil will solve the problem. Sometimes, a knocking noise is caused by loose torque converter bolts or a loose flywheel.
This type of noise is usually caused by malfunctioning valve lifters or an exhaust manifold leak. If the noise lasts for more than a minute and completely disappears or dimishes after the engine is warm, the most likely cause is an exhaust manifold leak.