It does sounds like valve related to me, sounds like something is definately loose hence the rattle, but what exactly is purely speculative - definately is not good though I was thinking a loose bolt somewhere at first could do it, but not likely as it from around the valves and theres not many bolts around that area. I dont think its coming from the bottom at all - I am confident you can rule that out! Get those rocker covers off ! (Surely you should be querying the warranty on the motor here - I mean its definately a part that should have been covered in the rebuild anyway and I am confident this will relate back to a faulty part or faulty install - either should be covered under warranty after only 2000k) Goodluck - hope its not as bad as it sounds
I agree, it's time those covers came off for a look inside. Unfortunately the workshop has gone so these no warrantee. Because its spent so much time off the road with issues, it's taken 3 years to do those 2000 km, so that would probably put it outside the warrantee period anyway. I'll post a new update once I've opened her up.
The workshop has closed therefore I don't want to start a trial by internet. The guy had a good reputation, I think I might have been that unlucky percentage that just lucks out. The first failure was large enough that the engine never actually ever ran. MRC identified it before the first start and reported the problem. From there I had no option but to send the car to QLD to be re-rebuilt (the engine was originally built in QLD and shipped to Sydney to be fitted) . He copped the cost of that on the chin but I had to pay for shipping of the car. So as completely fed up as I am with this, I haven't actually diagnosed the problem yet so cant start pointing fingers. Don't want to jump the gun and realise later it had nothing to do with his work. I've already spent in excess of $12 on this stock rebuild (including $6K labour for remove and refit).....I just wish the bl00dy thing would run for more than 2 weeks at a time .
sux man, im glad you still have the persistence to get her running.. alot of people would have thrown in the towel.. keep us up to date do you mind telling us what the original issue was requiring a fresh rebuild to be rebuilt? sounds pretty intense
You're too nice a bloke... Drop me a line if you need a hand with the rocker covers. I'm sure you know what you're doing but if you need an extra pair of hands or whatever I'd be happy to help out.
It was something to do with the head. They cranked it over with the spark plugs out (apparently common practice with fresh engine), and it pumped coolant straight into the cylinders. It wasn't gasket related, something more sinister.
Thanks Rob I appreciate the offer. I'll see how I go as I usually don't know when I'm going to get my next few hour of work on it until the last moment. Life with kids and family in is less predictable
Beg to differ, Ron. To me, it sounds like 'piston slap'. Baroo had the same issue (sound) which required a new (2nd-hand) engine. Either the cylinder bores are out of round (worst case) or, if you are more fortunate, the piston rings are incorrectly fitted, ie all the ring gaps are aligned rather than offset 60/180 degrees. The sound obviously occurs as the revs rise, but does it disappear at steady higher revs? If it does (disappear at steady higher revs) then my thoughts are confirmed. Either way, you are probably looking at another rebuild, preferably by someone who knows what they are doing! I hope, for your sake Marcus, that I am wrong!
It makes the noise on acceleration and it stops on steady revs. The harder you hit the gas the noisier it is. I went to one of the most highly recommended mechanics on the forum just so as to avoid this type of thing happening.......what else can you do??
LOL....if they cant get it right, what chance have I got? I just can't believe I'm back where I was 3 years ago needing yet another new engine
There are enough guys around that don't cut corners -hope you can get this sorted without it coming to that though.
If it comes to it do the remove and tear down at home, get the long motor built and then refit at home
Yeh what Rob said Marcus - if it does come to that I'll help out. Does suck! I'm out of suggestions...
Given the amount of suggestions & opinions it's time for some serious diagnostics. Obviously something is wrong with the engine, a noise like that just shouldn't be there. Did you listen to the engine with a stethoscope, as another member suggested earlier? You can get a cheap one off ebay for under $10.00 to your door. If the noise is in the bottom end it will probably be an engine out job. If it's in the top end, you may have to remove a cylinder head. Whilst the video was helpful in hearing the noise, it didn't help at all in determining where it was coming from. Have you tried a cylinder drop out test to see if it has any effect on the noise?
I had a very similar sound (hard to tell from a video however) when I first started Chilledpains engine it disappeared when the oil flowed around enough to stop the lifters ticking as well (about what seemed like 10-15 seconds of idle but was probably less). the lifters still get a tick every now and then after it sits unstarted for a couple of weeks (i do expect that) but the other noise never came back. I did turn the engine over for a while without fuel or cas connected for first start and it had fresh oil in it but I am sure the noise was oil pressure/lube related. Edit It also sounds more top end to me and alot like a valve slapping around - does anyone else think it could be a weak valve spring or similar
Rob / Matt - What would I need to get the it out? Engine crane.....what else / special tools? Once out, would I just use a courier to transport it? Would need someone that was equipped to handle something that heavy. Matt - I guess you know a bit about how it feels. Thanks for the offer, if it comes to that I'll likely take you up on it. What's annoying is for the money I've already spent I could have had two of these: http://www.conceptzperformance.com/Cart/description.php?II=1032&Car_Type=NIS300&UID=20131010232403122.106.251.244
Agreed It's definitely up top and as stated, sounds like its under those rocker covers, or at least very close to the top of the engine. Good idea I'll give that a try. The noise is in sync with engine revs, so not a rattle or anything.
If you haven't yet definitely get a stethoscope, put it on each rocker cover to see if you can hear it louder, try different parts around the engine (just be careful not to go near anything moving lol). If it's under the rocker covers this will identify which one.
