noise from engine any advice please

[aitch]

my engine has started to "rattle" if it were a petrol I would think it was the tappets but, and here is the funny, or not so funny part, the rattle comes and goes about every 10-15 seconds and it stays the same no matter what the engine speed i.e. tickover or 2000 rpm. have checked the oil level, O.K., have run it up the road and put it into netural rattle stays the same, took it to my local garage today they were very busy but the guy had a quick listen and said it might be the water pump or alternator, would this keep coming and going if these were at fault?
I have also put some injector cleaner into the tank and filled her up but this has not helped.

It goes back to the garage on Tuesday but I need to use her for work over the weekend 6 journeys of about 14 miles each trip will I cause any further damage or should I be OK if I drive very slowly.

P.S. water temp gauge not moved, water level not moved, all other levels checked and are alright.

help please and sorry this is so long winded!!!!!

[francophile1947]

Sorry aitch - you've got me beat there. I really can't think of anything on the engine that won't alter with the revs/road speed Hopefully wiser ones than me will crawl out of the woodwork

[aitch]

Thanks John it is that which has thrown me just don't want to cause too much damage getting to work this weekend.

[mikeonb4c]

Do fuel pumps do this kind of thing if they are shot? I can imagine the pump operation being governed b demand, and I don't know that it is mechanically linked to work in proportion to engine revs. I know nothing about fuel pumps though so hope someone else might. Talking of which, I've not seen Dandy on here for a while. Where might he be? Talking of which, wherever did Smartmonkey go. He was ace as well - sad loss

[Peg leg Pete]

Dandy is on holiday, back anyday now Strangely I have had a sound low in the engine, I think it may be the waterpump, does not effect performance

[dipstick]

I wouldn't think it is a rattle from the actual engine, it would increse/decrease with engine speed, listen/look elsewhere.
Sounds as if one of the heat shields/covers may be loose on the exhaust manifold.
or
Have you left any change loose in the ashtray or elsewhere?
Is the jack and accessories loose and rattling in their space in the rear door step?
Anything loose in the rear under the seats etc?
Get some-one in the van with you who can investigate while you are on the move as well as when you are stationary.

Hope this helps

[bigdaddycain]

This may sound strange aitch, but is the aircon switched on? More often than not it isnt in use? Look closely at the switch,it can be difficult to make out if the little green light in the switch is illuminated (manual aircon).

Sometimes the extra load on the engine can produce some peculiar rattles.

Check that the aerial isn't clonking on the side of the bongo.

Have a rummage through the tools in the cubby near the sliding door, perhaps one them has come out of the bag,and is knocking away with the vibration.

The last two suggestions doesn't tie in with the rythmic rattle syndrome though, but the aircon could....

[aitch]

thanks for all the replies
I have checked all the above and the aircon is off (mine is a later model with digital controls I have lifted up both seats and the rattle is def. in the engine compartment somewhere!!!!

I shall report back when more is discovered.

[bigdaddycain]

Are all the clips on the airbox secure aitch?

[helen&tony]

What about the power steering pump??....I think mine sort of rattles from time to time....try listening to the offending items mentioned, one by one with a piece of wooden rod, or piece of hose pipe touching the item in question, and listening at the other end.
Cheers
Helen

[Harry]

Try this:

Get yerself a piece of hosepipe about 3ft long and attatch/tape a small funnel to one end.

Run your engine so the rattle starts then put one end of the pipe to your ear and the other end (with the funnel on) into the engine compartment.

By moving the funnel end around you will be able to detect where the noise is loudest.

Bit like using a stethescope!

Good luck

H

[sajseven]

put one end of the pipe to your ear and the other end (with the funnel on) into the engine compartment.

By moving the funnel end around you will be able to detect where the noise is loudest.

...and you'll give some entertainment to the neighbours doing it!

[rocker]

Hi
Drop the belts off and recheck, could be ancillary bearings.
Rocker.

[dipstick]

Just another thought, is your heater fan on? They have been known to make odd noises if a bit of debris gets between the fan blade and the casing.

[aitch]

I have tried all of the above, to no avail? so she is off to the garage tomorrow for the "experts" to try and cure her the neighbours were quite shocked looking at me with a long screwdriver listening to the engine and walking around scratching my hear with dispondendncy as I could not trace this sound, tomorrow will tell lets hope it is not a large William (bill) as I am skint at present thank god for the credit card to pay for it!!!