Classic MY99 UK spec

Changed my back box this afteroon, had to drop the centre pipe of its hanger to get a grinder on the rusty bolt. when I started her up I think the exhaust was blowing a bit from the front of the centre pipe (sort of spring loaded cup & ball connection) anyway I took it for a drive and when I came back there is now a ticking/knocking noise coming from the near side cylinder head, or so it sounds.. it kinda sounds like a leaking gasket but not..

anyway, I'm worried I've fooked the big ends now, engine has 77k on the clock, fsh & was warmed up properly before I drove it after changing the back box & didn't cane it either...

any suggestions?

should I be worred about driving it, I can't hear it when I'm driving along only when its idling.

 

Check the up pipe heat shield. I had the same problem a few weeks ago and turned out to be a rusty up pipe heat shield which was rattling

 

as above check heat shields moving exhaust might of disturbed it.
had similar on mine when 2 securing bolts on turbo heat shield bust off

 

Just had a go with a screwdriver as a stethascope & it sounds like its coming form the head & a ticking tappet noise..

are they expensive to replace? or can they be adjusted?

 

If it is your big ends.
Start the car up and let it warm up as normal, pop the bonnet and rev the engine to 1800rpm and keep the rev there. If you dont hear anything your big ends are fine.
My had a fsh by subaru done 76000 on the clock.
Service history dont mean ****.
Just make sure when you change the engine oil YOU PREP the engine first, otherwise your big ends wont last long

 

"Prep the engine"??? I changed the oil a few weeks back, warmed engine, drained, filled new filter & engine, then removed crank sensor, turned over until oil pressure light went out & started...

had a look through my SH and there is an advisory regarding the cambelt tensioner saying its damp & will need replacing (why the f*** it wasn't replaced when the belt was is anyones guess lol

anyway, taking it down to a garage tomorrow hopefully & get them to have a look, if not then I'll pop the cambelt cover off & see if its any louder.

With the bonnet open, standing in front of the car its coming from the right hand head & the ticking is roughly 4/5 times a second at idle, big ends are usually a heavy sound

 

took the car to AS performance in birtley today, looks like the cambelt & tensioner are screwed, but the bad news is they aren't sure where the noise is coming from & have found swarf on the dip stick, suggesting the bottom end is fubar'd

the good news is I've caught it very early. just waiting for a quote from Alyn.

*crosses everything

 

sorry to hear that hope it dont cost to much

hope you get it sorted soon

 

me too mate.. but Alyn seems like a top bloke and I'm sure they will sort me out. would rather know now & get the motor rebuilt properly so i can enjoy the car fully.

definitly a thumbs up for AS performance

 

hold on fella are you sure it's the big ends?
It could be the injector making the sounds.

I got my engine done before the big ends went bang it was close to the limit right to the copper.
Xtreme scboobies done mine engine for me! 4k I spent on the engine. I wouldn't go there again if you pay me too.
Zen Performance is the place ask for Paul he is the MAN.
I found him a fair guy. Maybe hks stoker kit 2.29cc

 

turns out it was a loose spark plug!! the cambelt & tensioner does need replacing & ASP are going to give it a service & the once over..

very pleased & thanks for all the replies

 

just had a call from AS Performance, car is all sorted & can pick it up tonight! i'm so chuffed & a big thanks to Alyn, top service and a good price