Rover T16 with possible noisy camshaft bearing??

[dave de roxby]

Hi there,

I've just dragged my old 'S' reg Rover Sterling 2.0 Coupe out of hibernation and taken it for an MoT.

Fortunately it passed with hardly a problem. However, I have noticed a slight, regular noise which sounds a bit like a bearing going dry to me, coming from the top of the engine (I think! It's sometimes difficult to diagnose exactly where a noise is coming from).

It seems to be relative to engine or camshaft speed - I've not delved into it too far yet. Goes off when you rev the engine but very noticeable at idle.

I know these 800s aren't loved very much but this is a lovely old tool, about 80,000 miles with superb leather interior and near mint body. Don't want to throw it away.

Just wondered if a camshaft oiling problem is a common fault on these and what I might try before major surgery?

[dave de roxby]

Well, no answers so far. But I think I may have solved my own problem. The noise which seemed to be emanating from the cam boxes may actually be transmitted noise from a failing water pump! I hope it is which would be a more simple fix.

[MGJohn]

Your Rover would have the T-Series engine and if it has not been used for a long period, oil can drain away from the Cam Followers ( Tappets ). When strating up, it can sound like an old noisy Ford Diesel.

I would drain the engine of all the oil ( hot ) and fill it with Diesel grade engine oil. Fit a new Oil Filter too. Run the car for a few hundred miles or even much more. There are slow acting detergents in Diesel Grade Engine Oils and that will help cleanse away lots of 'varnish' and other unwanted sludge etc from the engine built up over the eyars and miles. Drain the Diesel Oil hot and fill with regular 10-40 grade semisynthetic as recommended by Rover. Note the colour of the Diesel Oil when drained. That will demonstrate that its done a good job.

This simple treatment can transform older engines and those of uncertain maintenance. Every used car I've purchased for over ten years now has benefitted from this treatment. I do it irrespective what the previous owner tells me about 'it was serviced only last week'. Some engines respond remarkably so. Even noisy tappets suddenly run at a near silent rustle, sharper throttle response and better economy.

The above advice will not cure a worn small or big end of course. From your description, that is not the case with your car but needs to be ruled out.

Good luck ~ let us know how you get on - that way we all can learn.
..

[dave de roxby]

Thanks for that MGJohn. That's a good tip for having a good engine clear-out. Think my 800 is due for a good service. I use it as a second car and it sits about for far too long. It starts instantly from cold and there is no tappet noise - runs very sweetly. But this regular 'chirping' noise starts to be noticed as the engine warms up, only there at idle and apparently disappears when the engine is revved over 1000 rpm.

I've invested in a new mechanic's stethoscope today and will have a listen tomorrow morning. The sound seems to come from the top of the engine, near the cam sprockets but it could be transmitted from lower down. I've learned over the years not to jump to conclusions! I once changed the whole rear axle on a van - only to find it was a front wheel bearing!

[Richard Moss]

I think that John is on the right lines with the oil - they don't really like old/dirty oil and the diesel stuff quite often cleans them up nicely.

As for "unloved" - may I suggest: www.rover800.info/forum ? You'll find a very strong following indeed.

[dave de roxby]

Richard Moss said:

I think that John is on the right lines with the oil - they don't really like old/dirty oil and the diesel stuff quite often cleans them up nicely.

As for "unloved" - may I suggest: www.rover800.info/forum ? You'll find a very strong following indeed.

Thanks Richard,

Glad to hear there are some folk who appreciate this model.

We are still driving this bolide around, mainly my son, but the chirping noise persists.

Main thing I'm worried about is a cambelt failure which would economically total the car.

I have eliminated the water pump as the source of the noise and have invested in a second hand tensioner.

Haven't fitted it yet but maybe this will solve the problem.

These coupes promise so much. Fantastic interiors.

But, to be honest, I previously had an 820 saloon which I bought from an auction for just £140 (!!!) which knocked the socks off my coupe - drove wonderfully, incredibly economic, superb ride, no suspension issues, only problem was eventually a valve burn-out.

Will get round to the tensioner soon and report back.

Dave

Edited by dave de roxby on Saturday 13th August 11:41

[MGJohn]

That's a tidy example dave-d-r.

Changing the timing belt on these DOHC Rover T-Series engines is a doddle for any half decent DIYer. I have changed one well within a leisurely hour on my cars. If you are not certain how to go about it, check Rovertech.net and MG-Rover.org for 'how to' guidelines with easy to follow illustrations, including some of my own. Any problems, post up a query on those sites, plenty of been there, done that helpful types over there.

Like so many things Rover and MG, these T-Series Motors in all their various forms have been overlooked and underestimated by many in the UK car consumer market. That's their loss as you, me and others have discovered and I have long realised.

They are so good, that many owners, ignorant of their origins, erroneously describe these power units as Honda product..

Rover Turbo Seller said:

Must be a Honda John, its so powerful and reliable....

Yeah, OK, right ... Lost count of the times I've read or heared something like that.
..

[dave de roxby]

MGJohn said:

That's a tidy example dave-d-r.

Thanks John. Yes, it is an unmolested, one previous owner, full service history car. Almost mint and just gone over 80K miles. I shall do the cambelt and fit the tensioner soon as I have a moment and hope that fixes the noise.

Agree about the unsung potential of the T-series. I've read that it's possible to get massive horsepower out of these engines, with some decent kit. I'm pretty certain the rear end will mate directly to a Rover SD1 manual 5-speed box and I have often thought of putting such a combination into an MGB!

[MGJohn]

dave de roxby said:

MGJohn said:

That's a tidy example dave-d-r.

Thanks John. Yes, it is an unmolested, one previous owner, full service history car. Almost mint and just gone over 80K miles. I shall do the cambelt and fit the tensioner soon as I have a moment and hope that fixes the noise.

Agree about the unsung potential of the T-series. I've read that it's possible to get massive horsepower out of these engines, with some decent kit. I'm pretty certain the rear end will mate directly to a Rover SD1 manual 5-speed box and I have often thought of putting such a combination into an MGB!

T-Series MGB Upgrades.

That has been done a few times at least, including the Turbocharged version T-Series in the MGB. The T-Series was also fitted in-line ( not transverse ) in some Land Rover and Van products. So, using transmission parts from those for the in-line configuration makes the upgrade a relatively easy task as the T-Series has a lot in common with the B-Series originally fitted to the MGB.

Instant very flexible 200ps in the small MGB ... nice, very nice. However, a brake and suspension upgrades is also recommended along with that sort of power. The once ubiquitous Austin "Wedge" Princesses and Ambassadors used a 4 piston brake caliper which many such modded MGBs use for improved braking.
.

[dave de roxby]

MGJohn said:

T-Series MGB Upgrades.

That has been done a few times at least, including the Turbocharged version T-Series in the MGB. The T-Series was also fitted in-line ( not transverse ) in some Land Rover and Van products. So, using transmission parts from those for the in-line configuration makes the upgrade a relatively easy task as the T-Series has a lot in common with the B-Series originally fitted to the MGB.

Instant very flexible 200ps in the small MGB ... nice, very nice. However, a brake and suspension upgrades is also recommended along with that sort of power. The once ubiquitous Austin "Wedge" Princesses and Ambassadors used a 4 piston brake caliper which many such modded MGBs use for improved braking.
.

All very tempting!

I've got a lovely old '65 GT sitting in the wings, just waiting for a 'T'!

[Richard Moss]

Here's a "How To" on the cambelt - as John says, a doddle.