Rattling from engine?!?!?

[Minister27]

Just bought an '89 turbo mk3 2 weeks ago and have had no problems with it untill yesterday, when I noticed that there was a horrible rattling noise coming from the engine, when i put the engine under load at about 2000rpm. It doesn't really want to idle very well now and I am a little concerned. A friend has suggested it may be the main bearings, but the engine was rebuilt only 20,000 miles ago. Any suggestions? Cheers

[Lofty]

The sound you're describing could be a lot of things. If it only happens whilst driving then it could just be "pinking." You should check your timing.

How is your oil pressure?

It might be worth asking someone with some mechanical experience to listen to it to help you narrow it down.

[Minister27]

Am taking to a garage tomorrow, just driven 5 miles in it and doing steady speed it just seems lumpy. Put some octane boost in it before hand but it hasn't made any difference. Oil pressure isn't that good. Was a rock steady 40 but now more like 20 - 30. Doesn't make the noise when cold tho'. Hoping it isn't the bearings. :crybaby: Will investigate timings tomorrow Thanx Lofty

[G.T]

Have to say mate, that doesn't sound too encouraging, does it sound like a kind of hollow knocking noise?
Also, I would say that the oil pressure sounds a bit on the low side, how comprehensive a rebuild did your engine get?
Welcome to the board btw.

[Minister27]

Just been taking a look at my haynes manual, and it suggests:

1) The fearful crankshaft bearings;

2) The just as fearful rod bearings

3) A worn Piston Pin or Piston Pin hole

4) Knackered water pump

5) Incorrect valve clearences

6) Timing belt worn at only 20,000 mls

I'm hoping for 4,5 or 6.

The car has done 132k, engine was rebuilt at 107k (don't know how comprehensively) and the top end was rebuilt at 115k, skim head, mhg, timing belt, etc.

To be honest the sound sounds just like a clothes peg in the wheels of a bicycle. Don't know how else to describe it.

[Trevor]

To be honest the sound sounds just like a clothes peg in the wheels of a bicycle. Don't know how else to describe it.
Could it be the fan hitting the fan shroud?

You can check for big ends by opening the bonnet, and then gradually increasing the revs using the accelerator linkage. Big ends sound like a rattle at around 3000 rpm and above.

If the engine feels lumpy, the first thing to check is that the crankshaft/camshaft timing is correct, and then the ignition timing.

[Minister27]

Just been to see my friendly local mechanic, and of course the noise wasn't happening, when i got him to have a look/listen but as the engine is misfiring he suggested a new set of plugs and leads and that the noise may be caused by the cylinder being washed out with fuel continuously, and not being fired.

Oil Pressure seems to have resumed it's usual position nailed at 40. Which is good. The noise does seem to only happen under load tho' at above 2500rpm.

[Minister27]

Just been to see Nick from TOTALLY CUSTOM in Cambridge, who reckons it's the turbo. And that the misfire is caused by oil on one of the spark plugs. All I gotta say is thank god it wasn't the big end :)

Anyone out there got a turbo for sale? Used unused etc.

Thanks again guys for your views :notworthy

[Supra89]

gtstarga has a mint tub send him a pm

[black 86 supra]

gtstarga has a mint tub send him a pm

I'm having it :)

[Nick@TC]

Always happy to help, send Johhny D a PM about a turbo.

[black 86 supra]

Always happy to help, send Johhny D a PM about a turbo.

I think he got there before i did, Johny got one then?

Nick, tried calling you today, no answer, I'll call you tomorrow mate

[Nick@TC]

Sorry Dave, trying to catch up with the backlog, should have left a message as I try to check them regulary.

Yep, Johhny's got a spare turbo in good condition and will have another one shortly as he's upgrading.

[gtstarga]

Mines packed ready to go for mate. Just let me know when you have the cash......Cheers