MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - Persistant Engine Noise (non VVC)

I've trawled the millions of posts about engine noise but have had trouble finding one that applies to me: everything's either tappet noise on idle or VVC bag of nails noise on load.
Can someone please help or point me to the appropriate archive post that has solved my problem.
My F is a standard 1.8 (97) and has started making a noise that is somewhere between a ticking and a general diesel/lawnmower engine sound. This noise is only apparant when under load at low revs, at higher revs the normal engine noise drowns it out; at idle, it is not there. I think it follows the rev speed but it is hard to tell.
5 days a week I drive a v short distance to work and back but then at the weekend the car does a 200 mile round trip on the motorway. the noise is no quieter at the end of the journey than at the beginning.
It may be coincidence but the noise only appeared after my 60k (cam belt) service in Feb. I checked my oil last week and it was low, it is now right in the middle of the min and max but the noise continues.
Does anybody have any idea what it could be?
Cheers
Darren
D Edwards

How low?

The MPi has hydraulic cam followers that need a minimum oil pressure to keep them 'mobile'. If the oil drops too low then they can 'stick' and the cam lobes will do them some damage (usually some surface scarring). This damage is permanent and can cause the cam to rattle on the followers even after the oil has been topped up.

My opinion based on the symptoms described.

SF
Scarlet Fever

it was a few mm below the minimum (5?). I stuck a litre in and that put it slap bang in the centre of where it should be.

Cheers SF, your explanation sounds entirely plausable (though i'm no expert). Can I do anything to prove/disprove your diagnosis? Can I get at these followers or is this an engine strip down job?

Cheers again
Darren
D Edwards

Type/grade of oil used can also have a bearing (!)
Mike.
mike

Could it be the new cam belt making a noise? Check the tension on it.

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

D Edwards

This sounds identical to my problems (1.8Mpi 1997). I too do a short run to work everyday. I'm thinking its a tappet problem and it is these that I'm turning my attention to.

If have any other input please let me know.

Cheers

Russ
Russ Fitz

This thread was discussed between 23/09/2002 and 24/09/2002

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGF Technical BBS now