Advice welcome....

[Lloyd]

Sorry to say that my engine has developed a bit of a rattle when starting from cold.
It does go away when warmed up and seems to be coming from the front of the engine.

I can't really be sure whether it's top or bottom but have included a movie file which I hope can be downloaded to show the sound fairly clearly....

I'm not sure what is causing the rattle but am keen to hear any suggestions/recommendations anyone can make as I am concerned....

Cam Chain? Pulley?

Thanks in advance!

[Ross]

If it sounds like it's coming from the front, inside the head, I suspect it's the cam chain. My coupe always sounded like that! Is the oil topped up? When it got close to the minimum it sounded worse, too. I've head some say that their car gets rattly when the oil is below 1/2 way, may be worth topping it up and seeing if that helps.

[YELL MAN]

Are you sure it is the actual engine and not the power stering pump as that is located close to the top of the engine? Mine makes similar noises but i thought it was the pump. I think i will have to investigate further.

[denniselbows]

have you taken the cam belt cover off at any time recently myn makes a noise like that a bit. and is because the cam pully is slightly rubbing

[Lloyd]

I've not taken it off but I it may well have been off 3 years ago for a cam belt change.

Thanks for all your input BTW. I'm hoping it isn't the cam chain or anything serious....

[s2driveruk]

check the lower securing bolt of the alternator. I had this recently thining the cam chain was on its way out only to find the lower bolt had worked loose, tightened it up and all quiet again

[denniselbows]

check the lower securing bolt of the alternator. I had this recently thining the cam chain was on its way out only to find the lower bolt had worked loose, tightened it up and all quiet again

good thinking myn was half way out when i did my cam belt

[Lloyd]

Good point. I will add that to the list of things to check.

Hope to get a crack at it this weekend.

[Keith]

Probably your vibration damper :

it has 4 small screws to keep it and a big central one. Careful, your timing belt may touch it if it has too much freeplay !

[Knight Rider S4]

Sorry to say that my engine has developed a bit of a rattle when starting from cold.
It does go away when warmed up and seems to be coming from the front of the engine.

It will not be a loose bolt if the noise goes away when warm .......when checking chain take the oil filler cap off (be careful )only loosen off so you can lift off slightly if the cam chain is worn and hitting casing the tone will change when you take off the cap .........With regard to power steering pump easiest way would be to take the belt off pump and see if the noise is still there

[Danoid]

is it tappets or is it too noisy for tappets?

[Lloyd]

Don't know about tappetts.... My guess is that it isn't the cause.

Best bet at the moment is either PAS pump or cam chain. From an
amateur pov sounds like a loose chain, although through searching
on the forum this seems very unlikely.

Will remove the PAS belt listen and then try removing the oil filler cap
a little to try and sus it out on Saturday.

Thanks for all the suggestions and tips everyone

[Knight Rider S4]

What is the oil pressure like when cold?

[Lloyd]

What is the oil pressure like when cold?

On starting the oil pressure rockets up to maximum (5?) on the dial. It takes about a full second for it to rise to maximum. It then stays there until warm/hot and gradually drops to 1.8 - 2.0 on idle.

[YELL MAN]

On starting the oil pressure rockets up to maximum (5?) on the dial. It takes about a full second for it to rise to maximum. It then stays there until warm/hot and gradually drops to 1.8 - 2.0 on idle.

Mine does the exact same. Is this correct?