Engine ticking with revs
 

Hi Everyone :)

I have recently bought a V50 d2 R design which I think is great. Versatile, comfy and a nice change from my faltering E30 BMW (now awaiting a 'lot' of work :( ).

I have started to notice a ticking noise when any hint of throttle is applied. Coasting and idling there is nothing, and when I back off throttle it stops almost immediately. But as soon as reapply it comes back. It doesn't get any worse under more load really, but it is noticeable. Even my wife who doesn't care about cars noticed it when I asked her to listen, so its not in my head!

At first I thought timing, as I had a local specialist replace timing and auxiliary belt and tensioners a month ago and thought it may be pinking? This seems unlikely with knock sensors on these engines?

I then read injectors need 're-syncing', and also bad fuel. I did remember having my exhaust manifold gaskets changed on my E30 when that was clicking and ticking, and perhaps this is something common, and hopefully cheap to repair!

Also, I cant trace a really annoying plastic rattle in the boot area when going over bumps. The trim covering the rear wiper seems really flimsy and flexible, so is this a usual culprit? Nothing is loose in the boot and I have taken out the luggage cover thing, still there, folded seats down, still there. Any ideas?

Anyway, hopefully all easy (ish) to resolve, but I really wan to get to the bottom of the engine ticking first.

Thanks for reading!

I don't know if this is the problem but I had an annoying noise similar to what you describe. Mine started at 3000rpm. Couldn't track it down, then a friend who works for Ford said they get a noise like that on their cars with the same engine (1.6d DRIVe Twin Cam 16 valve version). 98% sure he knew what it was. Crank auxiliary pulley!

So I took it off to look at. I would have said there was nothing wrong with it but my friend insisted. However, I did put another one on. Problem solved. I took another look at the old one, a very close look. Turned out there was a TINY amount of play and the shield part of the pulley vibrates against the outer part which is bonded to the inner part. 3000rpm is the typical tell tale sign that this is the problem I was told.
Hope your problem is solved as easy as this.