Ok, with all my talk about my car running so well recently, last night I heard a knocking noise when I parked the car on the drive, I could hear a slight knocking sound when the car was on idle, If I revved the engine the noise went away. Now my drive is a fairly steep incline so I thought it must be low on oil, I've driven to work this morning, no problems, car running fine, but when I parked up I let the car idle for a bit and the noise cam back, just not as loud. Anyway, checked the oil, it's about a quarter full, so I'm gonna stick a litre of oil in it this lunchtime and see how it go's.

 

Any idea's anyone?

Ok, with all my talk about my car running so well recently, last night I heard a knocking noise when I parked the car on the drive, I could hear a slight knocking sound when the car was on idle, If I revved the engine the noise went away. Now my drive is a fairly steep incline so I thought it must be low on oil, I've driven to work this morning, no problems, car running fine, but when I parked up I let the car idle for a bit and the noise cam back, just not as loud. Anyway, checked the oil, it's about a quarter full, so I'm gonna stick a litre of oil in it this lunchtime and see how it go's.

 

Any idea's anyone?

Mike it may just be low on oil mate fill it up and see how it sounds after that.

Call me Stuart!

Sounds like tappets/hydraulic lifters, whats your mileage??? change the oil, also if you have tired lifters and you've recently changed to a thinner oil type than it's used to, this might cause some noise after start up for a minute or so.

 

Paul

When i park my car on my folks sloping driveway, leave it

for an hour or so. It ticks when i start it up, but as soon as i'm

on the road it's ok. This only happens when i'm facing up

the drive, not down the drive :confused:

Oil level is fine.

Lifter tick! Get the oil level sorted and it'll probably go away ;) If not try an oil change too :)

I think it's more of a knocking noise than a ticking, it only seems to happen on idle, I'll be taking more of a look at the weekend.

Had the 60k service done?

Yep, coming up to the 120K now!!!!!

Ok, reason I asked is that this noise can be caused by failing VTC springs. They are part of the 60k kit from courtesy - depends who did it last time, if the springs weren't replaced, then 120k IMO is far too much for them ;)

Ahh, I've had the car since 80K so I have no idea if the've been done, what are the VTC springs? and how do you replace them?

VTC springs are the springs in the ends of the intake cams to stop the variable valve timing system rattling. When they go you tend to get a loud clatter from the top end of the engine - strangely it doesn't seem to always go with higher revs....

talking of them spring how much are they, and how much of a job are they??

Sounds likey, I always thought the top sounded a bit rattly, I'll more the 60K service forward.

Springs don't cost much - you also need the o-ring seals for the cam pulley cover plates too. I'll try and find some part numbers. Not too difficult to replace really. Remove rad, remove boost hoses, remove metal coolant pipes and then remove the upper timing belt covers. The intake cams are the most inboard and the plates are held on by four 8mm (I think) bolts. Take the plate off (remember to hold it while you take the screws out - its got a spring behind it lol) disguard the old o-ring and spring, clean the surfaces up (you won't get it fully clean as oil continues to dribble out), then refit. Should take about 2 hours for the full job :) You could also replace the thermostat while you're at it...

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

Cheerz Andy, nice one.

Andy, doesn't it need new oil seals as well when changing them springs, assuming they are the spring that is mounted behind the oil seal etc. also, can you do it without removing tension of belt ie clamp it in position? also does it make a big difference with the springs in??

Unless the springs have gone you won't notice any difference. The belt stays on while you do this. If you want to replace the cam oil seals then the pulleys have to come off and that is a MUCH bigger job! Whatever you do, leave the cambelt alone if you are just doing the VTC springs...

Andy, I don't suppose you've got a picture of the springs location as I can't think where abouts they are with out removing timing cover, and have you got the part number I require to do them, Its only that they won't have been done .

Hi Andy, would worn VTC springs cause an intermittent rattle? mine rattle goes if i stop the engine and restart after a few minutes.

 

Can you also advise me on the best place to get hold of the part numbers for the springs and seals?