Hi,

Just picked up this great little X-Type. However, on the drive home (50+ miles) after the car warmed up I could hear a rattling from the engine. Futzing with it today it seems to only rattle after the motor gets warm and only between the 1700 and 2500 RPM range. It sounds external to the engine but I can't be sure. A mechanics stethescope to the valve covers and oil pan does not seem to transmit the noise, yet with the bare ear it is loud and clear and sounds like coming from the middle of the engine area, but is just as loud as from under the car. The rattle does not seem to increase proportionately with the increase in revs, but does a little. At 1600 rpm there is just the occasional tap until 1700 RPM where the rattling become consistent.

Oil is fresh 5/30, no oil pressure light (goes out as soon as motor is started and does not come back on or flicker) and the sound is no where near the knocking sound of that YouTube video that starts up at idle an seems to be the rod bearings.

Any advice as to where to look or suggestions for further diagnosing greatly appreciated,
Thanks,
Dennis

 

Wow, 91 views and no comments. Here's where I am with this issue. I took it to a mechanic and they have diagnosed it (albeit something of a guess) as a bad wrist pin. They quoted me 4800 for a used engine swap. Considering that I paid 3600 for the car, this is out of the question. Their diagnosis may be right though. I cannot pinpoint the noise to any one specific area of the engine, although is is louder underneath than on top. And it definitely does not sound like a rod bearing. What still has me baffled is why this noise only shows up after the engine oil is good an hot, about 12 miles of driving or so. I've played with various engine viscosities, no change. Since oil pressure is highest when oil is cold, I was thinking of increasing the oil pressure at the pump to see if it makes a difference. In the "old days" we used to add washers to the oil pump spring to increase the oil pump pressure (or change the spring out in favor of a stiffer spring). Does anyone know if this type of experimentation is possible on the 3.0 oil pump? I've looked at pictures but can't tell much from them.
TIA, Dennis

 

Im sure you'll find out when the engine throws a chain and you're out a car. If you can, put it in a storage center, and figure out a way to fix it yourself. Or just ride that ho' till she quits. Either way, that engine is coming out..lol