Disco 1 Stupid ticking noise

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

gsx130

Member
Posts
29
Location
Somerset
Hi everyone. Ive been using the forum for a while now for some great info but time has come i need to ask.
I have a D1 300tdi and am a fairly capable mechanic. I have this noise though that is getting on my nerves i cant find it. Much worse when cold. Seems to quieten when warm.
Its an off beat ticking noise. Does seem to relate to engine speed but comes and goes and is not constant.
The most frustrating bit is it does not do it if your stationary and lift the bonnet to take a look. Revving it or anything will not make a noise when stationary.

Ive sofar done head gasket, exhaust gasket, vac pump, lift pump, power steering pump, injector seals.
Ive swapped out injectors for a spare set, same with the injector pump, push rods, rocker arms as a set - noise persists.
i have also checked and double checked the crank timing, pump timing, valve gaps and caps etc.

wondering now if it could be clutch springs or transmission tx box somewhere

I am lost and help much appreciated
 
I should maybe add that the car drives otherwise perfectly. No smoke no loss of power :-/ real head scratcher for me
 
I saw going to suggest an injector, but you've swapped those.. if it sounds engine speed related rather road speed related, i wonder if there is excessive end float somewhere that allows something to move, but only under load? Can't think what
 
or it could be something as annoying as a heat shield got loose which only vibrates/ moves when the engine is at a certain harmonic, or even baffles in the exhaust. Engine mounts OK?
Exhaust not got loose anywhere?
 
or it could be something as annoying as a heat shield got loose which only vibrates/ moves when the engine is at a certain harmonic, or even baffles in the exhaust. Engine mounts OK?
Exhaust not got loose anywhere?
As Stanley has said I had a similar noise on my 200tdi disco and it was the heat shield above the starter motor that was making a noise under load at about 2200 rpm,
 
I saw going to suggest an injector, but you've swapped those.. if it sounds engine speed related rather road speed related, i wonder if there is excessive end float somewhere that allows something to move, but only under load? Can't think what

Hi, thanks for the reply im really pulling my hair out. The diff has been off and swapped for another. Also swapped front prop it had tiny bit of play. Rear prop was checked and fine
Had the axle stripped down too all new seals. Did not do pivot bearing they were fine. bearings seem good and drive shafts have next to zero play. End float set as per manual on the cv with a dti gauge.
 
or it could be something as annoying as a heat shield got loose which only vibrates/ moves when the engine is at a certain harmonic, or even baffles in the exhaust. Engine mounts OK?
Exhaust not got loose anywhere?

Hi, thanks for the reply, ive been under banging for anything loose and nothing visible. My 300tdi doesn't have a turbo/exhaust shield in the engine bay. One small one under the cab but its solid
 
Last edited:
or it could be something as annoying as a heat shield got loose which only vibrates/ moves when the engine is at a certain harmonic, or even baffles in the exhaust. Engine mounts OK?
Exhaust not got loose anywhere?

Hi thanks for the reply
Baffles could be one but doesn't seem to be the right kind of tone, its a metallic ticking noise sometimes happens quickly tickatickticktick sometimes a single tick then silent for a while.

It is always present on startup whilst driving for the first 5-10 mins but still intermittent as above. Dies down the warmer the car gets. Driven many miles hot without a peep
 
Hi thanks for the reply
Baffles could be one but doesn't seem to be the right kind of tone, its a metallic ticking noise sometimes happens quickly tickatickticktick sometimes a single tick then silent for a while.

It is always present on startup whilst driving for the first 5-10 mins but still intermittent as above. Dies down the warmer the car gets. Driven many miles hot without a peep
Maybe a pushrod or summat else in the cam train is a little out, or even (yikes) broken but still working. I seem to remember you do have to set the tappets in a 300 tdi but can't remember if it is OHC or not.
If it goes away when hot then whatever it is must heat up and expand enough to fill in the gap that let it tick when cold. Which inclines me to thinking valve train. As it don't happen when ticking over I can imagine how frustrating it must be to even try to locate the source.
 
Hi thanks for the reply
Baffles could be one but doesn't seem to be the right kind of tone, its a metallic ticking noise sometimes happens quickly tickatickticktick sometimes a single tick then silent for a while.

It is always present on startup whilst driving for the first 5-10 mins but still intermittent as above. Dies down the warmer the car gets. Driven many miles hot without a peep
You sure it’s not a noisy tappet?
You using the correct oils in the engine.

Or what about a viscous fan? You still have a fan fitted ?
 
Maybe a pushrod or summat else in the cam train is a little out, or even (yikes) broken but still working. I seem to remember you do have to set the tappets in a 300 tdi but can't remember if it is OHC or not.
If it goes away when hot then whatever it is must heat up and expand enough to fill in the gap that let it tick when cold. Which inclines me to thinking valve train. As it don't happen when ticking over I can imagine how frustrating it must be to even try to locate the source.

Hi thanks for the reply, had all the rods and rockers off yesterday checked for straightness. All seemed ok. i swapped for a totally different set anyway just to see and still the same.
Yes very frustrating. Ive got another complete engine to go in next maybe see if it is engine or tx gearbox somewhere. Kind of wanted to keep engine numbers though. I know its something silly and fixable somewhere
 
Something in the EGR system, or anywhere else where there might be a one way valve like the thing that exhausts engine block and sump vapour pressure, can't for the life of me remember its proper name!:mad::mad::mad:
 
Did it make the noise before the oil change?

could it be a noisy bearing/tensioner on the belt system?
( unsure why you only hear it when in motion)
I'm now wondering if it could be a loose roller bearing/slightly sticking cross piece in a UJ. Once the greas warms up it might go away.
 
I'm now wondering if it could be a loose roller bearing/slightly sticking cross piece in a UJ. Once the greas warms up it might go away.
Rollers in the little stub axle bit were done about a month ago trying to illuminate possibilities

Cv has crossed my mind. Had them out not long ago though and no play. I cant put 2 tons on it though
 
Back
Top