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        General >> Problems >> Engine tapping noise
        
(Message started by: Chriselec on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 12:54pm)

Title: Engine tapping noise
Post by Chriselec on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 12:54pm

My 1998 2.3 face-lift has developed a loud tapping noise when I accelerate, the engine has done 153,000 miles. The local mechanic has said it is the big end bearing and will need an engine rebuild, costing over £2000, I am thinking of getting a second opinion. Any other suggestion's on what else could be wrong, anybody.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Jonnycab on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 2:33pm

Big end bearing is normally more of heavy knock than a tapping....Tapping is usually associated with the valves ;)

Could be something as simple as a loose spark plug though.....a loose plug can produce a rather loud tapping noise when revving/accelerating :)

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by gozz on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 2:34pm

It is difficult to make a diagnosis without at least hearing it.A worn big end can be made to rattle by blipping the throttle or revving to about 2000 rpm and holding the engine off load.Whatever it is, repairs will not be cheap,the best thing to do is to obtain another engine from a trustworthy breaker,they charge about £200,but make sure it's still in the car and can be heard running,it's no good buying one that is an unknown quantity,even if it's guaranteed someone's got the bother of changing it twice if it's duff.
GOZZ.
ps I've just seen Jonnycabs advice which is all very true,a knocking big end is very distinctive,so if your spanner man is of the old school he'll know the sound.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 2:36pm

For £2k I would definately be seeking a second opinion :o

Secondhand engines can be picked up for maybe £100 - £150.

You might even want to consider getting a complete car ( MOT failure ? ) for spares if you have the space.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Chriselec on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 2:56pm

Many thanks for all your quick replies. When I am driving the car at a constant speed I can hear nothing, its only when I accelerate I hear the tapping, also when I rev the engine at 2000 rpm there is no noise, its sounds like the noise I remember having on the older engines when unleaded petrol started to come on the market, I must admit, it does sound like I tappet.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Snoopy on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 3:09pm

PINKING come to mind if it is under acceleration..... JC knows more about this that I do! ;D

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by martin_rowe on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 4:13pm

Cracked ex manifold.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Jonnycab on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 4:18pm

It could be pinking if it's only doing it under load, although this gives more of a rattling sound.

My 2.3 used to suffer bad pinking, caused by a dodgy camshaft sensor :)

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Chriselec on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 4:44pm

Yes Snoopy, that was it, Pinking, well that's what it sounds like, loud pinking. It looks like I will have to take it to another garage for a second opinion, hopefully it wont cost to much, I have had the car for over six years, it was photographed at the Weston Super Mare meet many years ago with three other Cuirass Blue Scorps, so it means a lot to keep it on the road, everything works on it except the heated seats, they gave up this winter, just when you need them.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by scorpio_man on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 4:58pm

hi there

could also be the cat rattling.

hth

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Chriselec on Feb 23^rd, 2010, 5:44pm

Thank you, I will get all your suggestions checked out, hope its not to bad.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by PJDavis on Feb 24^th, 2010, 12:28am

Blasted Garages......Eh...... who would trust them? I keep going to my local dealer and TELLING the storeman that such and such is still available, or so and so has only to be requested by him to get from Ford, he now 'tuts' and looks it up properly! Amazing, he can get it! They just don't try. As for charges, I would use a trusted small garage, to MOT my car so long as they understand the 'older' vehicle codes for MOT. Main dealers don't give a monkeys about anything older than 2 years, pish they are! But you can bet yer erse, that the same 'Main-Dealer' was happy to sell that car ten years ago for £20k giving all the promises required about how the car would last a 'life-time'! Dildos!

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by gozz on Feb 24^th, 2010, 12:37am

That's right PJD,they can't shift many now though,so they rip you off for repairs after a valiant attempt to blind you with science,they've even tried it on me ::)
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Snoopy on Feb 24^th, 2010, 7:29am

Your heated seats not working is most likely the relay has given up and that is situated in the centre consul it is a small yellow one taking the feed of the cigar lighter circuit.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Malcolm73 on Feb 24^th, 2010, 3:09pm

Hello Chris,

Although unlikely, pinking has been suggested.

Honest John who writes in the Telegraph believes that top quality fuel will improve engine performance

Why not run your fuel tank to a low level and then try a couple of tanks of Shell V.Power.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Tekno on Feb 24^th, 2010, 7:31pm

Why my 2.3 sounds like a diesel?

::)

turn up the volume and hear: http://ruohoranta.fi/files/230210.avi

Is that tapping, pinking, rattling, klacking or what
???

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by emptypockets on Mar 8^th, 2010, 2:43pm

Hi.

Your car makes exactly the same noise as my 2.3 first thing in the morning. With mine it goes away after a few minutes. I have tried Top End Treatment from Forte with no difference to the noise but engine a bit smoother.

If only your weather went away after a few minutes I bet you would be a much happier guy!

Cheers.

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by Chriselec on Mar 13^th, 2010, 12:24am

Hi John,

I might try some oil treatment, my noise gets increases when the engine warms up. I am waiting for a mechanic to come and have listen. Some are saying it could be the big end bearings :( !

Title: Re: Engine tapping noise
Post by emptypockets on Mar 16^th, 2010, 10:09pm

Hi.

If it increases don't waste money on an additive. It is almost certainly a repair job.

Good Luck.