Noise from the front of the engine

Technical advice Q&A

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Baaz
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#1 Noise from the front of the engine

Post by Baaz » Thu Jul 28, 2022 7:23 am

Hi all,

been a while since my last post - the car, ser. 1 2+2 1967 4.2 l, has been working good and the small problems I've had I've found solutions here. This time not. Started a while ago when it came up to 2000 revs I had a sound that sounded like some plate or cover were rattling, coming and going every two second like a wave up and down. Couldn't find anything loose. Then when I listened carefully I could already at idle hear a hammering metal sound from the front of the engine timing chain/sump area, doesn't sound nice at all. First thought, as it came and went away , that it was the oil pump losing pressure and then getting it again but the pressure is high and stable. Any thoughts? could it still be the pump, had an overhaul 10 years ago new pump etc.

short video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLLi5N ... Fcg/videos

Any help much appreciated

Baaz

E-type ser. 1 2+2 1967

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abowie
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#2 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by abowie » Thu Jul 28, 2022 8:46 am

Engine noises are scary, and often hard to diagnose.

Firstly, remove your fanbelt, run the engine and see if the noise is still there. If it's not, it's the alternator/generator, belt tensioner or water pump. Or AC if fitted.

If it continues, tighten the upper timing chain.

If it still continues, have a good look and make sure that there's nothing loose hitting rotating components or the engine.

If you've got to this point and no solution, take it to someone who knows E types.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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chrisfell
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#3 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by chrisfell » Thu Jul 28, 2022 9:40 am

I've just checked my own 67 2+2.
Now I could be wrong but to my ear this noise is exactly like when I tap my alternator shield.
What is hitting it? A frayed fan belt, a loose mounting bolt,.....?
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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christopher storey
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#4 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by christopher storey » Thu Jul 28, 2022 2:37 pm

The frequency is interesting : it sounds to be about 4 noises per second or 240 per minute . If you engine is idling at c . 720 rpm then this frequency is the same as firing on 1 cylinder, so although this is not good news it is at least a possibility that this is related to 1 cylinder. Andrew Bowie's checks are the first I would do , to eliminate alternator, pump etc, but if that produces no improvement, I would disconnect each plug lead in turn and see if there is any difference. If a particular disconnection eliminates the noise, you would at least know which cylinder it might relate to , and a check with a tube stuck in your ear to try and localise it might help to identify e.g. an exhaust gasket leak

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Baaz
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#5 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by Baaz » Thu Jul 28, 2022 4:34 pm

Thanks all for the input!

Andrew - I'll start with removing the belt to rule out alternator and water pump.

Chris - my first thought, I replaced both the alternator and water pump this autumn haven't run the car since. Maybe the shield got bent or bad adjusted but holding my hand on it I guess I would have felt something.

Christopher - after Andrews advice I'll move on to Yours.

I'll get back

Baaz

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lopena
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#6 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by lopena » Fri Jul 29, 2022 7:05 am

Baaz:

It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway: once you remove the fanbelt do not run the engine for more than a minute or two. The engine will quickly overheat without the waterpump spinning.

Good luck,
Alan
N.J.

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Baaz
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#7 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by Baaz » Fri Jul 29, 2022 3:03 pm

Hi again,

removed the belt and ran the engine for a short while, noice gone :bigrin:

Replaced the belt with my new spare belt and eureka! The noice is gone and
it spins like a cat! Never thought that, I was almost sure that nasty metallic
sound would have me drop the sump and check the internals. Still I'll have to
locate what was wrong but now only on the outside, a big relief :smile:

Thanks again for Your help

Baaz

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christopher storey
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#8 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by christopher storey » Fri Jul 29, 2022 6:15 pm

Good result . I would bet that the belt is cracked or frayed somewhere. This may only show itself when you turn the belt "inside out" and bend the belt in the opposite direction from normal

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DWW
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#9 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by DWW » Fri Jul 29, 2022 9:25 pm

Must have generated a huge sigh of relief to hear her purring like the cat she is again :bigrin:
Danny

1962 S1 3.8 FHC (1012/1798)
2015 Range Rover Sport SVR
"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

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chrisfell
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#10 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by chrisfell » Fri Jul 29, 2022 10:22 pm

"Still I'll have to
locate what was wrong but now only on the outside, a big relief"

Check the old belt. You may find a single strand of wire has come adrift. I had just this same fault after a belt has delaminated.
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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#11 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by DWW » Sat Jul 30, 2022 12:30 am

When at first I had mine converted to alternator negative earth it was installed with an unacceptable pulley offset and no way to adjust the seating or tension and tha car went through belts like nobody’s business for at least a couple of belts within a month. I returned the car to them and this time they did a series 2 set up which touch wood is working properly. I had that weird noise from the front of the engine as the steel strands were getting detached and flying around.
Danny

1962 S1 3.8 FHC (1012/1798)
2015 Range Rover Sport SVR
"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

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abowie
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#12 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by abowie » Sat Jul 30, 2022 1:13 am

If you have the spring loaded belt tensioner fitted have a close look at it. These can hit against things and cause awful noises.

See if there are any witness marks on it.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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Baaz
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#13 Re: Noise from the front of the engine

Post by Baaz » Sat Jul 30, 2022 8:14 am

Hello again,

checked the belt and it's full of small cracks, no visible wire nor fray,
however it's feels like it is starting to fall apart.

Alternator, water pump, tensioner all feels good, will have to pay
close attention to any noice or vibration in the future. It's obvious
that it had something to do with these three above and the belt.

Cheers!

Baaz

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