is my vx220 about to die?

[insanojackson]

Right i have a 2.2 n/a vx220 2002 52 plate with 58000 miles on the clock.

the last couple of days its developed a rattling from the engine. Its not really loud just there all the time, on initially listening it appears to be coming from the top end of the engine. I am worried it might be the timing chain however the engine number on my car suggests that it will be one with the modified oil jet fitted so the chain should not be an issue.The engine seems to run fine apart from this rattle.

Today we have had the rocker cover off and the chain looks fine, and goes from very tight to a very small amount of play when the engine is cranked by hand, i belive this is normal. The chain looks well oiled. Also took the alternator belt off to confirm its not that causing the noise and its not.

Im at a loss now as to what is causing the noise? someone suggested a cracked manifold might be the cause?

I have tried recording the noise on my phone to post on here but the rattle is drowned out by the noise of the vse exhaust on the recordings and it sound far worse than it actually sounds in real life.

So is my engine about to eat itself or should i just crack on and drive as normal?

[neiljohnson]

Even on the later engines with the modified jet the chain is prone to failure also there are two chains (second one can only be seen with the engine end plate off) also the water pumps have been known to fail also causing a rattle.

[insanojackson]

Well after my unknown engine rattle issues last week and my paranoia about the timing chain I had the vx out for a blast yesterday and the rattling has totally gone, its now running sweet as a nut again!!!!!

Maybe it was the exploratory work we did removing the rocker cover? maybe its my car thanking me for taking the red paint of the calipers yesterday? maybe it was a sticky tappet or something else?

Anyway its looking good for the pistonheads run out this sunday!!!