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MG MGF Technical - Exhaust rattle on starting and...

Last question for the board, my 1995 1.8i MGF's exhaust rattles or rather makes a quite musical clonking sound on starting the car. I also know that the woven cylindrical thing that covers part of the exhaust before the silencer has come adrift from its mooring, but I doubt that this could cause the clonk.

Can anyone suggest how to diagnose the clonk? Has anyone repaired the woven stuff at one end without impairing the reason for it being woven inthe first place (ie I assume that you can't simply cover the whole thing in exhaust wrap)?

Thanks in advance (and I hope that the distinctly non-technical language is clear!)

Chaz
C Golvala

I think that covering the whole pipe in exaust wrap would be a reasonable repair, the rattle may be a loose heat sheild or (more expensivly - and thus more lightly) the inside of the cat is loose
Will Munns

Do you hear it only when the engine is first started?

There are plenty of possibilities to explore here...
Rob Bell

Thanks guys. I'll go and feel for loose joints or heat shield etc, but I suspect that this is someting internal, since B&G commented at the 84K service (72K on the car) that the cat was on it's way out. Mind you, so it was at the 72K service and we still got through the MOT last year.

I certainly hear it clearly on starting the car. Once running in idle, the noise can't be heard and I'm fairly certain that's because it has stopped rather than because it is obscured. I'd say that the noise is quieter when starting a warm engine, if that helps. I'm also fairly certain that it does not occur when going over bumps. I haven't tried revving the engine in idle to see if I hear it then - should do that this weekend.

Cheers

Chaz
C Golvala

... maybe hydraulic lifters ...

A
Anthony

No chance to check this weekend. Any other ideas?

Thanks

Chaz
C Golvala

try checking the silencer mounting band, this is prone to shear near to the cat/exhaust manifold, cost £10.51 for a new band.
Simon B

Thanks Simon, that sounds likely.

Chaz
C Golvala

Thump the catalyst with your hand. If the core is loose inside it will rattle.
Jon

This thread was discussed between 16/01/2004 and 20/01/2004

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