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 - Really Bad Knocking Noise From VVC Engine

Hi guys,

Bad news got to work this morning and there was a really bad knocking noise coming from my car - sounded like the VVC part, but maybe wrong, when I rev the car it's gets worse. It's really loud and I will probably have to leave it here at work. Any ideas what it could be, the last time I heard something like this was on a friends car when the big end had gone.. NEED ADVICE

Regards,
Mike G
Mike Gibson

DONT DRIVE IT, DONT START IT, DONT LET THE GARAGE START IT UNTILL THEY HAVE HAD A LOOK.

With that over with, the problem is lightly to be the cam bolt working loose, whilst this is not hugely expensive to rectifty, if it comes off then its a new engine, get it towed to the MG dealer, tell them your thoughts, mention the recall on early cars and tell them to have a look before they start it!
Will Munns

I think that it is highly adviseable that you don't drive the car until the problem is diagnoses Mike. My guess is that this is the dreaded VVC cam bolt problem - but with luck you've caught it before any damage has occured to the engine.
Rob Bell

Thanks guys - the exact sound is like when putting a playing card and a peg on your bike when you were a kid, like a clicking noise. Does not have any affect on revs or temp. Make any sense?

Regards,
Mike
Mike Gibson

Mike, remove engine cover and cam belt cover to check the bolts,front/rear on the VVC. I would pull out the ECU plug in case your friendly garage decides to listen to the noise before investigating, as once the bolt lets go it's bad news for the wallet.Only down side is that once the bolt has worked loose it is advisable to replace the VVC unit or risk it coming loose again as the mating threads will be compromised.
Good luck.
Mike.
mike

Guys,

with all you experiance in these issue - what do you think that this sounds like?

Mike.
Mike Gibson

Mike, see http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/MGF_recalls.htm#r2
Rob Bell

Hey guys,

just had it towed away and the driver said that he's 99% sure it's a linkage sound.. Sound right?

Regards,
Mike
Mike Gibson

>>just had it towed away and the driver said that he's 99% sure it's a linkage sound.. Sound right?<<
No I don't think that means anything.
'Linkage' could be anything or nothing.
Other comments about cam bolts are regarding specific components.
Where's it gone to ? It could be worthwhile phoning them and asking them not to start the engine without checking cams etc first.
Steve

Hi Steve,

I spent a bit of time with the guy that picked it up and he said that it doesn't sound expensive and I told him not to start it without checking various things first - fingers crossed..

Gutted!

Regards,
Mike
Mike Gibson

Guys,

Just heard back from the garage and it was the one of the CAM bolts that had come lose. £60.00

Just thought that I'd let you know thanks again.

Regards,
Mike
Mike Gibson

Sounds like you got lucky Mike.
John Ponting

Do I get a prize?
Will Munns

<Only down side is that once the bolt has worked loose it is advisable to replace the VVC unit or risk it coming loose again as the mating threads will be compromised.>
Good luck.
mike

This thread was discussed on 26/09/2003

MG MGF Technical index

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