Push rods?!

[travis_transit]

Hi there,

My 2002 2.4L diesel FT made a strange "tut tut tut tut" metal sound very randomly going down a hill. I pulled over, opened bonnet while running, and it was definitely louder underneath than above engine. I wanted to nurse it back the last few blocks home, and put in reverse and noise went away immediately. Then drove home and sound didn't return. This sounded severe though when it did happen, so I can't just ignore obviously. I've been told it may be my valve push rods, and was asked if they are hydraulic, which I don't know. So firstly - are the push rods for my van hydraulic? If so, then possibly an overdue oil change and new filter should do the trick (here is to hoping!).

Secondly, is it ok to drive my van for the next 2 days if the noise has gone away (I know a stupid question, since you can't diagnose without more info, but a general question really), or am I causing more damage? I can really only do an oil change in 2 days.

Thanks in advance!

Travis

[ake]

There are no push rods, it’s an overhead cam engine.

There are however hydraulic lifters between the valves and cam, but they wouldn’t suddenly become noisey midway through a drive then get quiet again.

If the vehicle is seriously overdue an oil change, you will already have done damage, more so if the oil level is lower than it should be.

[travis_transit]

Hi ake,

Cheers for such a quick response, much appreciated!

I did have a full service 7 months ago, and even though I should have gone in last month for a small service, I'm only about 250km over when the mechanic said I should bring it in. I'm trying to do far more things myself, so was planning on doing the service in a couple of weeks. So it's not seriously overdue, but I definitely need to get it sorted asap.

Are there any ideas on what else it could possibly be? It's just so strange that it went away after changing gears, and then not returning...

[travis_transit]

Any thoughts please?

[Altransit]

Dual mass flywheel breaking up

[Jim Archer]

Loose injector?

Jim

[knobby1]

Loose injector? Jim

Possible but unlikely on a TDDi...I'd be looking at/suspecting the DMF, (if fitted),.....or possibly a duff timing solenoid...??

I doubt very much being 250km over the service interval will be the issue, that's nothing...have seen people go years without servicing their machine without major problems. A full service 7 months ago is fine. Most do it yearly-ish. As long as the oil level is good you should be fine in that department.

Any flashing glow plug lights?? Have you had the codes read..??

Lord Knobrot

[travis_transit]

Thanks to you all for the replies! Much appreciated!

Will do research on all suggestions.

I have no glow plug connection, as I had it disconnected a number of months ago due to an issue with it.

I've just decided to take it into the mechanic on Friday. My van is needed for my business so I can't wait any longer. Hopefully they pick up the problem. He is a decent mechanic, so I'm hopeful. Just concerned it doesn't show any more signs and then he thinks its all good to go, and then on my next job it breaks down.

Will keep you posted.

[Jim Archer]

The 'Glow Plug' light is the EML warning on these.

Does it come on and go out at ignition on? or stay on for a few seconds after starting? Or flash at any time?

Jim

[travis_transit]

Hi Jim,

The glow plugs have been disconnected.

So the mechanic said the noise was a thrust bearing. Got them to give it a small service, and then took a chance to see how long I could go with my van suffering from clutch problems. It broke down 2 days ago. I'm taking it in to get a new clutch in 2 weeks when I have the money. Obviously not ideal as I also need to get the starter fixed (making a metal scraping sound when I start it) as well, and all this will cost me an arm and a leg. On top of all this my van smokes black smoke a lot, and will get him to check the fuel injectors, as everything else I have tried has not worked. Everyone may be wondering why I don't just get it scraped and buy something else, but the van is generally a good van. It's 15 years old, so of course it will have some issues, but really looking forward to getting it back and ready for the road!

If any ideas on the starter or black smoke, please let me know. Otherwise - next time you hear from me I'll update on the condition of everything once it's back from the mechanic.

Cheers

[Jim Archer]

Regardless of the glowplugs being disconnected, the engine check light is still the engine check light.

Starter making nasty noises is quite likely to be it full of failing DMF. Sometimes you can clean the swarf out before it does too much damage.

Jim

[travis_transit]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the response, my van is going in next week Monday and getting the new clutch done. Asked the mechanic to replace the starter, but will ask him about the DMF, so cheers for that idea.

[knobby1]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the response, my van is going in next week Monday and getting the new clutch done. Asked the mechanic to replace the starter, but will ask him about the DMF, so cheers for that idea.

DMF & clutch would normally be replaced as a set, silly not to if the DMF is a bit on the rattly side. Good call the replace the starter whilst he's at it...

Lord Knobrot