Rattle

[andrewsxt]

My 1098 is lovely and quiet on starting but as she gets warmer develops a nasty rattle from front of engine, seems to be coming from timing chain area, does this sound probable / easily fixable.

Regards

Andy

[bmcecosse]

I'm afraid to say it may be big-end bearings if it gets worse when hot. Is there plenty of oil in the sump - and does the oil light come on at low revs when hot ? Timing chain would rattle all the time methinks.

[andrewsxt]

Thanks Bmcecoss
I know what you mean about the timing chain, that makes sense, would big end bearings make a rather deeper noise than the tinkling that I have.
Assuming it is them am I right in thinking they can be changed with engine in situ, albeit upsidedown and on your back.

Andy

[Willie]

Yes , they can be changed with engine in but it is a waste of time
if there is bad wear on the crank shaft. Trouble is, you don't
know until you've dismantled it. If, by any chance you have an
oil pressure gauge and the readings are reasonable when hot you
will probably find it worth changing the shells. A 'tinkling' from the
front doesn't sound like big ends?

[bmcecosse]

If it's 'tinkling' is it maybe just the engine Pinking ? Retard the ignition slightly and/or treat it to some top grade petrol Shell Optimax - does it go away ? And an oil pressure gauge is an excellent investment - in fact it's the ONLY gauge you really need !

[Kevin]

Big ends are much more of a knocking sound, is the noise there all the time and at all speeds because big ends will sound more under load when the engine is straining, for instant when going up hill or accelerating hard but will quieten down if you feather the throttle, when and how does it occur.

[andrewsxt]

After performing the piece of dowling to the ear trick, the rattle seems to be coming from everywhere could be time for a bit of an overhaul methinks.

Andy

[bmcecosse]

But is it 'tinkling' or rattling ? Retard the ignition to see if the noise goes away. If it's not that then it's only 30 minutes to drop the sump and inspect a big-end - look at #2 or #3 - the ones beside the centre main.

[andrewsxt]

Definately more rattle than tinkle, can`t imagine why I said tinkle, please forgive me for confusing the issue. but as i say it doesn`t seem to have an obvious source
I`ll get myself an oil pressure gauge this week and have a bit of a poke round with me spanners, hopefully i`ll be a bit wiser then, then again maybe not

Regards

Andy