Hi Mike,

what you need to do is listen to where the noise is coming from with a stethoscope (same as what a doctor uses) or long screw driver( place ear on the end of driver). Place it on all the engine parts that are bolted to it,i.e,alternator,steering pump, water pump etc. And listed for unwanted noise, whilst engine is running.

Phil.

 

Buy one of these, very useful for pinpointing engine noises. Automotive Mechanics Stethoscope Engine Diagnostic Tool Car Van Motorcycle | eBay

 

It could be a stuck hydraulic tappet. Sometimes they can be cured by an "Italian tune-up".

When the engine is warm, drive at 3,500 to 4,500 rpm for a few miles. If that is successful, an oil change using fully synthetic oil will usually prevent a recurrence.

 

things i am thinking of are maybe

noise on aux belt ( spray some water on with a bottle sprayer see if it goes away)

water pump dying? When was the last timing belt change done?

or some pully on its last legs.

like others said, you need to find the source of the noise to fix it

Take care when working in a car running, stay as far away form it as posible. No loose bits or touching! It will chop, crush or kill you.

 

Thanks for the tips guys.

Apologies for the late reply, I've been busy the last few days so haven't had chance to get round to checking it out yet.

I may look into getting a stethoscope, I did have a feel around a few days ago and couldn't really feel anything knocking or out of the ordinary.

I've got a feeling the timing belt was done not too long ago but I'll have to check the records.

I'll use your suggestions and report back!

Cheers,

Mike.

 

Can you tell whether it's coming from the timing or gearbox end? Or is it definitely somewhere in between?

 

pully, idler pully or tentioner or crankshaft pully or seal. do research in these areas. If its getting louder its on its way out.
start with the aux belt.
When looking (dont touch else copped off fingers or worse) does the tentioner bounce allot?

 

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay again guys! This has remained rather low on my to-do list...

I have however done some more investigating, nothing on the auxiliary belt appears to be loose, and the source of the sound appears to be coming from the left hand end of the inlet manifold; i.e. the large rectangular box to the left of the throttle housing on the 1.4 engine.

I did some serious listening (with my ear a safe distance from any moving parts) whilst moving the throttle with my hand, and that seems to be the closest source of the noise... but I can't for the life of me imagine exactly what is making it - I'm sure it is something out of the ordinary!

At least that means I won't have to do too much digging down! :lol:

 

Inlet valve tappet? See post #3 this thread.

 

Hmmm, that's not promising. Is that likely to be a big job? Is an oil change (and clean) likely to help?

As it happens it's due a service round about now which is convenient; although I'd rather avoid paying a small fortune, bearing in mind I've never touched an engine before, and the biggest work I've done is probably changing a driveshaft and wishbone on a Saxo, I'd rather let the professionals at the engine!

I'll take a video this week and post it just so we're sure!

I'll also make a few enquiries at reputable garages.

Cheers,

 

Do the Italian tune-up. If no joy, the first step is an oil change, using fully synthetic oil. After the engine is warmed up, do an Italian tune-up. If still no joy, try hydraulic lifter additive, such as this.

If none of that does the trick, assuming it is a hydraulic tappet, the cylinder head would have to come off so the tappet can be replaced.

 

Hi guys,

Apologies for not replying.

After attempting several 'Italian tune-ups' I took it to a great independent mechanic I know today due to an unrelated but urgent problem (blown radiator) who also checked out the noise and it turns out it was a loose spark plug!

Somewhat relieved and the noise has now gone

Thanks for the advice anyway,

Cheers,