300 tdi rattle

i have an interesting problem...

i have what sounds like a tappit rattle at approx 2000 revs plus, whether in drive or stationary.

i have checked all valve stem caps, set all clearances and also replaced the exhaust manifold gasket. in short the obvious ones.

it seems to be down on power too, and i am now lost...

any thoughts?

engine speed or half ?

meant to say 2000 revs...

is sound engine speed or half ,engine speed little ends 1/2 cam tappet etc ,or most likely vac pump

it varies with engine speed, and seems to be at engine speed.
how would i check if its the vac pump (seems to be the easiest check!)

little ends is quite rare on tdis ,vac pump just undo and fit card board cover etc and run engine

off i go to try that then! thanks James!

OK, tried pretty much everything now. none of the above, plus an oil change, fule filter change etc...

any more ideas other than little end?

just a thought,, could it be your pump timing giving you a clatter??? as i say just a thought.

ron.

it is definately a thought ron! i will give it a look
Thanks
Steve

have you checked your manifold gasket? Mine was pretty perished when removed. Your other choice is using a nice long rod have a feel around the engine to try and find where its coming from. Using this technique I found a bent rod in my old race engine which was only present over 4500rpm upto 7500.

hi dcc. i replaced the gasket but with no effect. i have listened through the entire engine and to no avail... the search continues.

ok, so i have now had the head off, inspected tappet guides, cam followers, piston tops, valves, full rocker disassemble and inspect, manifold gasket, new vac pump. next one is the cam belt tensioner bearing. fun fun fun :0)

!You sure its not pump timing? Mine rattled when it was too far advanced

timing belt change today!

the complete story... manifold gasket, head off and inspected valves, piston heads and chambers, tappet guides and cam followers, timing belt change, tensioner pulley change, serpentine belt change, serpentine belt tensioner change... then i set the timing out by 180 (tiredness!) and destroyed the push rods and snapped 2 rockers. replaced these and rebuilt it all again.

so, after the saga has come to an end the cause was a failing timing belt tensioner pulley cuasing the timing to slip. the rattle was a mix of pinking and the pulley bearings. just in case you wanted to know!