Anyone had this before and know the fix.
Got interference on the radio when engines running.
A ticking noise as can be heard on the video attached.
Apologies for radio 4 but only station with talking so you can hear it clearly.
Just completed cam, chains, guides and tensioners.
I didn’t have any radio interference before that.
Any ideas please.

 

Does the ticking sound increase with the engine reves? If so it's usually a problem in the ignition system that is causing it. That could mean a bad ignition wire or plug. It's not bad enough to cause a rough running engine or a fault code.

If the noise is only heard when listening to the radio, it may be coming through the antenna. Remove the antenna wire from the receiver. If the noise goes away you may need to install an antenna noise suppressor that plugs in between your antenna and the receiver.

Turn other components in the car on and off to see if the noise changes or goes away. Other systems such as air conditioning, navigation systems, lights, turn signals, cell phones, and other components can cause noise in the audio system. If any of these is causing the noise, you may need to reroute the wires in the back of the receiver to move them away from the source of the noise.

 

Thanks for the ideas.Will start investigating. Thanks Damian

 

Just checking- did you by any chance disconnect the ground strap to the hood while working? Its connected to the hinge area.

John

 

I did remove the bonnet completely but I did reconnect the earth on re-assembly. Will double check the continuity. Thanks Damian

 

Ok, had a go at investigating this evening.

1/ Bonnet earth strap fitted, got continuity and bonnet definitely earthed to the body.
2/ Disconnect the aerial lead on the aerial in the boot. No radio but still ticking sound.
3/ The ticking increases with the throttle and engine speed.
4/ Started to notice a slight toughness to the idle.

So definitely engine ignition related.
Maybe a miss firing plug or coil pack?

Any ideas how to diagnose further into the ignition system.
Other than replacing all the plugs and coil packs with new or is that the best starting point?

 

Damian, The crackling usually originates from the high-tension (HT) side and the ticking from the low-tension (LT) parts. I came across an article on a quick and easy method to help track down the source of the noise. You just need to find an old AM pocket transistor radio. It's an article from Popular Mechanics.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/car...o/a84/1272491/

 

I had search the issue and seen an article about using radio, thanks for sending more details of it.
Tried the code reader but no error codes flagged.
I’ve checked all the spark plugs gaps (reset three too wide) and all the coil packs for continuity Ok.
Noticed the coil pack contacts with the springs have some dirt build up (see photo).
So cleaned them all up and in the process lost a spring.
Now waiting delivery of a spring before I can test the engine and radio.

Left after cleaning / Before being cleaned

If I’ve still got interference / rough idle I will check with the radio method.
Thanks for your help.

 

Found an old set of electric bushes and temporarily used the spring from that.
Got it all back together and tested again.
Started the engine and switch on the radio.
No interference at all, very happy.
See short video of result, can hardly
here the engine.
Real result for the end of the weekend.

 

Congratulations, seems you found the culprit.

 

Make sure strap is bolted on shiny metal, not fresh paint. ditto for engine ground strap. Can't visually inspect, MUST diassemble, wire brush or sandpaper, reassemble.

I'd also be concerned one of your COIL-On-PLUGs isn't snapped down and it's broadcasting an arc.

And this word, "radio?" What exactly is that? Something like streaming??? /s

 

MiragePro,
Sorted now, thanks to your help.
Planning on a video to help others.
Regards
Damian

 

The one on the right has seen water ingestion. QUIT Using the Magic Wand @ the car wash on the top of your motor!!!

 

My car never sees the light of day never mine water in the engine bay, ha ha.

Previous owner spilt coolant on a leaky coil cover. The spark plug cavity nearest the expansion tank was full of coolant and shorting out when I bought it. Never thought of cleaning the contacts until got radio interference.

 

Video with the problem and I found caused the interference.
Radio interference V22 Jaguar XK8 / XKR (X100)