DSE engine sound like old Disco TDI!!

Im thinking of buying a friends high miles DSE. Its sounds, runs well does nearly 30 mpg on a run and i can have it at a good price. The only thing putting me off is that the engine does not sound as quiet as most I have heard. He has replaced the following Hydraulic cam followers, Injector Nozzles, Inlet and exhaust manifolds, Main bearing shells, Heater plugs, Battery, Oil and air filters etc in an effort to quietener down...and spent a lot on it.

It runs even better but still sounds like an old disco! Any ideas. Im thinking pump timing but open to suggestions.
Quite keen to buy it before he sells elsewhere as hes just replaced Gearbox, Front swivel housing, Front brake discs and pads so its all up together.
Help appreciated as always. Cheers.

how many miles it done? may be timing chain rattle?

You`ve obviously got to know what/where the noise is to answer that question. Tried using a mechanics stethoscope to locate whether it`s top/bottom front/back? Otherwise... "are ya feeling lucky?"

gtland said:

You`ve obviously got to know what/where the noise is to answer that question. Tried using a mechanics stethoscope to locate whether it`s top/bottom front/back? Otherwise... "are ya feeling lucky?"

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Im pretty certain its excess combustion noise... rather than mechanical. It sounds like when you start a diesel from stone cold (the extra rattling you get) but it never goes even when warm.