Another P38 engine tapping! (bmw engine)

Hi guys,

Ive had a quick look round the forum and found some bits and bobs on problem engine tapping so sorry if Im repeating someone else's problem.

Our P38 (2000 dse) has developed a loud tapping noise which sounds like it is coming from the front of the engine. It is a a very loud noise, drive doesnt really seem to be affected and the noise is constantly there and increases/decreases with revs. We have been to a dealer and specialist who all have said new engine on the spot without venturing further into the engine. even with all the belts off and crank pulley off the noise is still there.

Another engine specific specialist listened to it and suggested big ends gone? Does that sound right?


Just for a bit of history incase the answer is there but the problem first came to light after the rangie was used for a long journey after a period of sitting stagnant, when almost home the A/C was switched on and a noise developed. on closer inspection the a/c belt had snapped so i changed the belts, took the rangie out, broke down after the steering locked up on me and all the lights flashing away. The AA guy at the time said woodruff key so back to pieces again and then noticed the crank pulley rubber was all shot up and literally worn away. After forking out a horrific amount getting this new pulley I amateurishly replaced it not realising how delicate the woodruff key was and pushed it slighlty through. (stupid i know). I also didnt realise (amateurishly) just how tight the nut going through the crank pulley had to be and failed to tighten it enough.

This actually worked for a very short while on a test drive but then the above mentioned tapping began and havent sorted it since.

Another person suggested that because the crank pulley nut came loose this could have had an affect on the oil pump in the engine as it may have allowed it to move about?

your input appreciated

Youve had 2 'specialists' take a look and both say its knackered? must be knackered then

well, they opened the bonnet and closed it againg saying they were too busy to investigate further, leave it here and we'll fit a new engine for you at 7grand!

find someone near to you who has a bit of time to look properly and wont just give you bollox.

Not helping but i also had the crank pulley rubber go on my 160k miler, had no problem since (well not on that side of things any way but it is a range rover)

If you've run it without the belts and the noise is still there then its likely to be the big ends or at least one, i'm in the middle of fitting a 525 engine to '97 dse because the big ends failed due to low oil level

ahhh I see. did that create a similar loud tapping noise? I have tried it without the belts and also without the crank pulley incase the problem was with that but still it sounded.

I think I will diagnose it as big ends but there is only one way to find out, and thats dig in with engine out.

Steve, apart from play, what was the tell tale sign when your crank pulley went? tapping? Im convinced the problem lies where I didnt do up the crank pulley to thr right torque setting as that is meant to be mega mega tight!

...DOes anyone know if the sump can be removed WITHOUT having to take out/move the engine? For a P38 dse bmw engine yr 2000.

Domod said:

...DOes anyone know if the sump can be removed WITHOUT having to take out/move the engine? For a P38 dse bmw engine yr 2000.

Click to expand...

Yes

Domod said:

...DOes anyone know if the sump can be removed WITHOUT having to take out/move the engine? For a P38 dse bmw engine yr 2000.

Click to expand...

The oil pump is driven directly off the crank at the front, have you checked to see if you have any oil pressure? Could be you have knackered the pump, engines sound noisy with no oil pressure Download RAVE for details