New s owner with a problem!!
New s owner with a problem!!
Author
Discussion

JonnyGrant

Original Poster:

30 posts

237 months

Monday 11th December 2006
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Hi every1, just got my S3c last sat and i love it!

I've been reading some of the old posted notes about how to fix this and that and its been so helpful, I fitted a new ford TP at the w-end and it made a hell of a difference, great.

But i do have a really horrible rattling/tapping noise that is worrying me!

I think i have the hydraulic tappets and it doesn't sound like that's the problem.

It starts making the noise from cold and doesn't go away, it just gets louder the harder I rev!

HELP!! could it be the cam chain or the water pump, any ideas guys/gals?

jonnyg

tvrgit

8,489 posts

281 months

Monday 11th December 2006
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It's very difficult to tell, without actually hearing the noise and hearing if it's at engine speed, half engine speed etc.

Hydraulic tappets are not immune from noise - they can still stick and/or block.

I would start by isolating where the noise is coming from. A stethoscope is handy, or if you don't have one, get a bit of broom handle or a hammer handle or something like that, and hold it against your ear with your hand cupped round it. Press the other end against bits of the engine and you should be able to hear the noise through the handle and tie down where this noise is coming from. Watch you don't get yourself caught in any whirring bits or shocked by any sparky bits.

See how that goes and post back.

dougc

8,241 posts

294 months

Monday 11th December 2006
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If its more than just a tapping which could be the tappets or perhaps an exhaust gasket, you may be having the same problem as I did recently. One of the cats has collapsed internally and was rattling about like a good-un, it even got louder with revs as you describe. Other symptons included high underbonnet temps and a noticable reluctance to rev above 4.5 - 5k. Throttle response was also slower.

Not saying this is definitely your problem too but it might be worth considering.

I sorted it by having the wretched things taken off and they are now tucked away in the garage for safe-keeping.

Stick a couple of bits of pipe in their place and join us on the de-cat darkside evil

steve j

3,223 posts

257 months

Monday 11th December 2006
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A manifold leaking from one of the welds can sound like a rattle, mine had this.

jt

208 posts

252 months

Monday 11th December 2006
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welcome, Nice S pic on your profile - good choice.

jake

snogmidog

29 posts

253 months

Saturday 6th January 2007
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I had something similar on mine this time last year. Thought it was the tappets but turned out to be a crack in the exhuast manifold. Got it welded up by Dave Batty - good job, still going strong 4K later. Cheers.

Tripps

5,814 posts

301 months

Sunday 7th January 2007
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Same again with the exhaust manifold, mines suffering from this on the left bank at the moment and will be sorted out sometime soon, damn scary if you don't know its that though...

Whereabouts are you in Kent Johnny, as if you fancy a banter with some fellow TVR owners a good number of us will be at the Rose and Crown in Dunton Green around lunchtime.

petclub

5,486 posts

253 months

Monday 8th January 2007
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Nice looking car!

JonnyGrant

Original Poster:

30 posts

237 months

Thursday 18th January 2007
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Hey guys thanks for your kind words and advice about my s3, I sill haven't sorted it out, i just can't figure out what the prob is!
She runs really well except for the noise.

does anyone Know of a good machanic in the Bromley-Kent area?

Sorry i missed you guys that were meeting at Dunton Green the other day i didn't read the message until it was to late, shame that would have been great. please let me know when you meet again and i will do my best to be there.

jonnyg

F908 Tim

740 posts

268 months

Thursday 18th January 2007
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I have a good mechanic down here in Tenterden who has serviced mine for 3 years.
Knows the Ford V6 and S cars really well and will give it a onceover to tell you what it is.

JonnyGrant

Original Poster:

30 posts

237 months

Friday 2nd February 2007
quotequote all
Hay guys, after loads of time faffing about around the engine and doing what TVRGIT suggested and trying to isolate where the noise is coming from by using a stethoscope I finally found out that it was a loose oxygen sensor on the exhaust.

It was a good exercise to do because I also found out that the manifold was leaking abit which could have been contributing to the mysterious noise. clap

All good and now down to sorting out all the other bitts n bobs, thanks again, jonnyg.