got a rattly engine, what would you do
 

Dear forum,

What would you do?

I have a 2003 V70 D5 (E3) with 203,000 on the car - the engine was changed (before I got the car) at around 180,000. I was told it has around 50,000 less than the car on it, but there is no evidence on the paperwork I have, so it could be anything really.

I like everything about the car, it has all the right options for what I want/need, but it has a top end engine rattle that I think is at least one stuck lifter (tappet). I've only had the car a few months and have been working through it's niggles to make it right.

I only cover 3-4,000/year so don't really need a diesel anymore and have seen a nice T5 on autotrader, but typically in Kent (I'm in Lancashire), so too far to go for a nosey round.


Really in a bit of a quandry as what do, options are?


1. Do nothing as the current car will probably run quiet happily as it is for a good while longer.

2. Overhaul the cylinder head of the current car and hope this cures it - looks quite expensive to swap out all the tappets. But would keep the belts and clutch/DMF undisturbed as these are all virtually new.

3. Get a complete low mileage replacement engine from a breaker - these seem to go for around £3-400 these days - if DIY'able on the drive, this sort of appeals as I need to fix the leaking servo as well. (could probably borrow an engine crane if needed)

4. Let heart rule head and blind buy the T5 and take the hit on the D5?


hmm....

Have you checked the timing marks and have you tried any flushes?

It’s been flushed and had 2 oil changes in quick succession when I got it. Not checked timing marks, would that cause it to rattle if they where out? Noise sounds to be around cylinders 3&4 only (listening to rocker cover).

It's not too difficult to get the engine in/out of these, especially if you remove the gearbox first.
This option also has the potential advantage of giving you a load of spare parts also, like injectors, pumps etc depending what the engine comes with.

If there are no real problems with the engine then I would just do nothing. The few D5's I've heard (Incl. my own) have rattly top end but will go a long way. Unless it's a serious rattle.

Sounds blooming horrendous under throttle, but I'm starting to get really pedantic with it so may not be as bad as I think. It's just a lot noisier than the last D5 I had.
It happily dragged my trailer tent a few hundred miles the other week with no issues.

If the engine conks the car is scrap value, maybe quit while you can ?
Have you tried a thicker oil, 10w60 can cure rattles. Works a treat on a friends car.

Most certainly DO NOT put 10w60 in!!
Doing so would give your car 'high blood pressure', youll reduce the flow volume starving the parts which need constant high flow, and will overload the oil pump which could cause it to fail.
Its a common misunderstanding of oil that thicker = better or similar principles.
Just because an engine is noisy doesnt mean it isnt sufficiently lubricated, a quiet engine does not mean its protected.
Either live with the noise using the right oil of a high quality (brand names) or sort it out (still use the right oil, lol)
The only thing along similar but suitable lines to the above post, is if using B5 oil, try putting B4 in, if using B4, thats that!

I guess I could try Hypoid 90W ;-)

If engine does fail, point 3 would come into play!

Can't remember the spec of the oil, other than it's a 5W30 which was recommended for the engine.

I know sense should come into it and I should lift the rocker cover to see what's going on.....

If it's a sticky lifter have you tried something like Wynns Lifter Treatment?I'm not usually a fan of additives as I think most are snake oil,but this stuff really does work ime.Whatever you do do not put in the wrong spec oil!!