Engine knock

marts66 · 08-05-11, 03:03 PM

Damn and blast it, just when I thought things were going well. My engine has just developed a rather loud knocking noise which from the speed of it and the noise, sounds like a piston. So I'm going to have to forgo the T16 conversion as I won't have the time nor money to source the bits. Think I might go down the 160vvc route, anyone have a 'How to' for this conversion, or a comprehensive parts needed list. I'm going to get a complete engine as if my bottom end has gone I might as well, I know I need loom and ECU and fobs, owt else?

starfire039 · 08-05-11, 05:02 PM

I think there's a guide either here or on XPF. I'm thinking about this too, be certain that the main block has a fault first, as the blocks are the same on the 120 and 160. If anyone can recall I had a "clacking" noise that I feared was piston slap, but turned out to be a noisy tensioner, and the noise went when a new one was put on when I had a cambelt change. Piston slap is pretty uncommon on K series engines, so try and find the cause before you buy anything you might not need to.

For the record, did you notice a difference with the TF cams? Does it take the engine to 135 spec pretty much, with the 52mm TB? How much did it cost?

marts66 · 09-05-11, 04:31 PM

Well it's been confirmed as little end bearings. Never heard of these going. So looks like I'll be in the market for a 160vvc lump and bits. Going to try Adrian @ AA Autosport and see what he says

FYO Starfire, yes I did notice a difference, revved cleaner and smoother and it seemed to increase the torque some too, nice mod and cheap ponies. Might have set of cams coming up for sale soon.

marts66 · 11-05-11, 08:21 PM

Had yet another opinion and this one says lifters, so going to whip cam cover off friday and have a prod of them to see if I can find a weak one................... it can be very lonely on here sometimes

peterzs · 11-05-11, 08:34 PM

Sorry, I've got a derv and it sounds like a tractor at the best of times.

Would never hear a piston slap, little or big end rattle or lifters.

Must admit, that's all outside the car, inside cant hear anything, unless my hearings going!!!!

I always put an oil additive in when I do an oil change, STP, don't know if they would help free off sticky lifters, might be worth ?6 or so to bung some in.

we are around.

stamford · 12-05-11, 07:50 AM

Sorry to hear you are having problems, hope the diagnosis is right. Don't hear many that fail on the bottom end. These things always come at the wrong time.

ramdonice · 12-05-11, 09:17 AM

do an oil change and use diesel oil as it has more of a cleaning act to it as diesel need it should un stick anything that stuck

marts66 · 12-05-11, 04:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure whether it's a sticking lifter or it's gone weak as it's quiet when cold and the noise comes on once it's warmed up. Been quoted 1k from Adrian for a complete conversion for a vvc engine with new head gasket and warrantied engine, ecu, fobs coded and loom. The only thing I'd have to buy is a downpipe.
I have considered selling and buying another car but what would I get for the price of mine and another 1k which would put as big a grin on my face as a ZS? Not much really, plus I know this car inside out as I've had it coming up to 6 years now. Decisions decisions (although I think I've already made it).

starfire039 · 12-05-11, 09:52 PM

Thanks mart, letting me know that a conversion was available for a grand. Because if I get my contract extended over summer I will be getting one. My insurance company, wallet and girlfriend hate you!

stamford · 13-05-11, 07:29 AM

Sounds like a good deal to me marts, if that were me in that position I think I would consider the change. I still believe the vvc 160 was the missing link in the ZS range and they should have made the 180 a 200 to create a real stir when launched.