Engine Rattle
 

Had a very regular tapping sound from the engine for a while now, I think its valve train related. As its very metallic sounding and quieten downs when hot also it occurs in sync with the revs. Sounds like its a old Ford Diesel!

Ive tried putting some wynns hydraulic tappet solution in and that didnt make any noticeable difference. I ran it for 8 months or so on Diesel oil to see if that could clean off any deposits. Finally yesterday threw some engine flush just before draining the oil.

Have read about the oil pick up O-ring failing on some KV6 models so had one of them and was hoping to drop the sump and replace that. But MG-Rovers crummy exhaust design prevented that. If they had moved the manifolds an inch over it would be simple but it runs in line with 3 of the sump bolts preventing getting them out. Didnt fancy removing the manifolds as heard its a pig of a job, besides dont have any shiny ones to go on at the moment ;)

So decided to put it back together and refill with some new oil. No difference...

Filmed it but the sound quality is crap but here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRJ76...ature=youtu.be

Can you determine where abouts in the bay it is coming from? I.E. front or back? Left or Right? Top or Bottom?

I was going to ask if it was Inlet manifold... but after listening to the clip I don't think so... Maybe bottom end related but can't pinpoint the rough location from that video :)

It sounds like its coming from the rear bank almost cylinder head. But hard to pinpoint it directly.

It sounds too mechanical and rhythmic to be the plenum to me,

Aweful noise! Sounds like cam related, how is the tensioner assembly?

Think the video makes it sound alittle worse than it is but its not a pleasant noise thats for sure! We felt it was valvetrain related, was half tempted to start taking the cylinder head apart to investigate further. Thought I'd check here for ideas first as could lead to some rather major work!

I don't think you have much choice, try using a stethoscope to pinpoint the noise. If that were me I would be checking the tensioner assembly then onto the cams and lifters as to me it sounds top end. Hope the cam lobes have not gone soft hence the noise.

If you don't have access to medical tools then using a 2ft length of hose as a stethoscope works surprisingly well for pinpointing noisies.

Have just ordered a stethoscope will try and determine where the noise is coming from. Cant imagine the cams will have failed as they are piper ones, would have thought they would be of a decent standard, but cant rule that out I guess they have done quite a few miles!

Just ordered one off fleebay for a couple of quid. Sure it will come in handy again at some point!

I think it could be the dampener wheel on the end of the cam.

As for piper cams, the ends break off very easily.. This is also a possibility.

G