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 - Peculiar Rattle

I have just had a big service (cam belts et all). After about 150 miles, my engine developed a noise in the engine which sounded a bit like a trickle of water (i.e. quiet but there) which would disappear on revving above 3000 rpm. This morning this was quite a large rattle from the engine which varied a bit on revving.

Any ideas that could miraculously solve the problem? - I have booked the car in the local MG dealer for a view later in the week.

Mike.
Mike Radford

>(cam belts et all). After about 150 miles, my engine developed a noise in the engine which sounded
>a bit like a trickle of water (i.e. quiet but there) which would disappear on revving above 3000 rpm.
>This morning this was quite a large rattle from the engine which varied a bit on revving.

QUICK, TAKE IT TO THE DEALER
It might well be the cam belt tentioner, if overtightened then it might wear the bearings and disintergrate.

alternativly it could be low oil - have you checked, seems unlightly so soon after a service.

to trace the problem a stethoscope put on various parts of the engine to see where the noise is loudest, try belts (cam belt cover and other end) try rocker cover (will show tappets- indicates low oil/oil flow problem), try alternator (again an over tight belt might ruin the bearings, but no so catastropicly)
Will Munns

My advice is to get the car collected by the dealer on a transporter as the noise is apparantly getting worse.
The rear timing pulleys would have been removed to fit the new rear belt(VVC) and if new bolts were not fitted then the pullys could be working loose. Better be safe than sorry.HTH.
mike.
mike

I checked the oil and it was full. I tried the engine again and it had dropped in volume to a quieter rattle coming from the upper rightish hand side of the engine (looking from the boot).

I risked the drive to the garage and it seemed OK (noise quiet at low revs during gear changes). So it's with the garage and I await their call. I'll update then.

Mike.
Mike Radford

It turned out that one of the nuts holding on the alternator had worked loose and was causing the noise. So all has been fixed by the garage and I should be noise free again.

Mike.
Mike

I had this very same problem only the nut and bolt worked completely loose and disappeared for ever, replacement part cost a quid I think.

Chris
Chris

Mike ,good news it was not more serious. The alternator belt and bottom pulley is removed when the cam belt is changed, sounds as though it wasn't tightened up correctly 8-(
Mike.
mike

This thread was discussed between 17/12/2002 and 18/12/2002

MG MGF Technical index

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