Tapping/clanging on acceleration.

Post by **fablovely** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 5:47 pm

I sorted the brakes (no brake fluid...now topped up) but the tapping and clanging is still happening when I accelerate. I am having to drive below 30mph to avoid it. Does anyone have any idea about what might be causing it?
Fab

Post by **Willie** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:15 pm

If it is a light metallic 'tinkling' only when accelerating then it is probably pinking. If it is a more solid knocking then could be big ends. To identify if it]
is pinking you could try filling up with the 'special' petrol which has a higher
octane rating than the regular stuff(just buy the most expensive) and,if this
reduces the 'tapping' then it is likely that your ignition timing needs retarding.
Alternatively you can use the adjusting wheel on the side of the carburettor
marked 'A' and 'R' by turning it in the 'R' direction to retard the ignition.
Eleven clicks equals one degree of timing.

Post by **salty_monk** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:18 am

Don't wish to be funny but could it be the exhaust tapping somewhere? Maybe the rubbers have gone week, clamp has slipped & it's knocking on the chassis somewhere? It gets pretty close at the front end where it exits the engine bay out the back...

Dan

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:26 am

I find it hard to believe that topping up the brake fluid fixed the brakes. The fluid must have gone somewhere - be very aware. Check them EVERY time you set off, and again BEFORE you need them !
We need more information on this noise - is it in every gear ? Does the engine make the noise if just revved up not in gear ? Urgently check the wheels are not falling off - remove hub caps - look for loose nuts rattling round in there - or just loose on the studs.

Post by **fablovely** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 11:17 pm

Will check brakes everytime. Does brake fluid evaporate in hot weather?
The tapping sounds as if something is loose or knocking, more than an enging noise...as if something is dangling. I put oil in recently.
It does it through the gears when I accelerate, unless I do so overly slowly. It sounds as if it's about to pack up or break in half!

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:01 am

You must have a slow leak in the brakes- probably a wheel cylinder. Take the drums off and look for congealed brake dust- best to get i fixed before brake fluid leaks onto the shoes and riuns them too.

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:22 am

A few causes for "engine" noises like you describe:-

Spark plug worked loose and now hanging down via the spark plug lead,

Broken engine steady bar

Cracked front pulley (could be about to break up)

holed exhaust manifold gasket.

Worst case scanario- chassis legs or spring hangers have collapsed- have a look undewr neath the car,

If you can't diagnose these yourself- go to a local mechanic or visit your local branch meeting of the club and ask there.

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:25 am

If you lived in East Kent- I'd have a look!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:22 pm

Brake fluid does NOT evaporate ! It either leaks away (most likely) or may go down slightly as brakes need adjustment. You must get this checked out. Are you sure it's not something loose in the spare wheel well - or in the boot - or under the rear seat ? Possibly just exhaust hanging loose - take it in to Kwak Fat for a free 'check' ! But if they actually do any work on the car - be prepared to PAY!!