DG engine clacking noise :(

[Roving Rich]

Hard Luck Stoo, its always best starting with the simplest and cheapest options.
Hopefully a top end rebuild it will sort it.

Cheers
Rich

[ST00]

hey Hi Rich - how was work on the Syncro?

I'm pretty convinced it's nothing more than just one tappet. I'm now working out if I need extending pushrod tubes to get the tappets out and inspected.

Thanks MM for the wiki. Very useful!

I've got a weekend away on the South coast with the family and the giant dog. The question is do I take tlhe camper regardless or squeeze everyone in the Diesel family estate?

i took the camper out for a 'spirited' drive for about 8 miles after the oil change but it didn't make any difference. Is a 100 mile round journey st upid or sensible????

thanks guys for the advice....

Oh and I still have the mini. It's called the tetley (1000 perforations) and is currently decaying in the drive. The engine is lush as I built it myself but the rest is suffering as I spent all my money on this camper

ST00

[ST00]

big end has gone

It got worse on my test drive and when cold it's really bad. It's only clacking under load and silent when idling. I can't see how that can be valve train at all.

So I'm on the lookout for a new engine or parts to repair. Unfortunately it has to be fixed within 2 weeks as I need it for a camping trip on Isle of Wight on a fortnight.

Looks like Gordy's engine has gone now so let me know if anyone else has anything kicking around.

Stoo

[kevtherev]

shame..

I guess you have heard of Elite replacement engines?
A quick fix and not to expensive plus you get a warranty

[petefuss]

Hi there is one more thing you could check....on many rebuilds the hydrolic lifters are replaced with manual ones because of the cost.........most times a label is put on the rocker cover to indicate this.......but I have had them without........if you remove a rocker cover and the tappets have a gap when the valves are fully closed then they are more than likely manual and you can adjust them normally.....you can check the hydrolic lifters this way too......if you can move the rocker in and out (3/5mm) and it returns on the spring then the hydrolic lifters are no good

[ST00]

Hi Pete
I don't think it's tappets/lifters any more. The noise is only when there's any engine load. I think if it were tappets then it'd be all the time.

Unless anyone knows otherwise.

Took it passed a couple of garages yesterday and they're of the same opinion.
....and none wanted to fix it

[kevtherev]

early or late DG?.... late being post '86

[waltraud]

You sure it's coming from engine, for example badly worn CV joints could Clack a bit depending on what language ur using. Have you checked the basics like distributor cap rotor arm not broken and rollicking around. Is anything visibly loose in engine bay, if you jack up rear wheels and spin is there any untoward noises(brake gunning loose or broken) .....off top of head. Hope ur new baby is not too broken.

[ST00]

It's a late DG. It's actually the third engine in the camper. the last two have only just managed 25k each.

I'm contemplatimg a conversion but no hope of doing that within 2 weeks !!

...., and noise is definately in the block. put the old rod to the ear and block and it just seems to be everywhere.... though to be honest it seems to be coming from the right more than the left but hard to tell.


Stoo

[docklad]

It'l be air from a crack.

[ST00]

hi Docklad
crack where?
I'm willing to hold on to any positive thought but I'm in front of the engine and it all looks pretty bad.

what I'm hoping for is someone witha spare short engine in a shed ;0)

[waltraud]

Hi, sorry did not realise youd had these responses, suggesting something more complicated /problematic, hope you can get diagnosed correctly and sorry i its terminal. W

[docklad]

in the head

[dazzzer1]

i wouldnt be so quick to condemn it we had a van which periodically got a rotten clacking sound, turned out to be the adjuster on the rocker breaking up making an almighty clattering sound, also had on with a sticking valve too. if you are calling into any old garage they will probably be educated guessing like yourself. id suggest a run into a place who deal with these on a regular basis. there are loads of people on here who know people that have engins condemned then to find that wasnt the case.

if someone has been messing about with the tappets then this may be the cause. if the van has spent any longe periods parked on a hill then this could be the cause.loads of probing to do yet i think

[ST00]

Thanks Dazzzer
spannerman (i met on Volkszone) is popping over to have a more informed look. I really want the van for the summer and don't mind a bit of work over the winter. ( at least in the van you're dry in the rain!!!)... just need to get it through with minimal expediture. I'm tempted to strip her down but I know with work commitments it'll sit in the drive all summer and I'll miss a great family summer