Worrying Noise

[Paul Rice]

My Z has just developed a worrying noise, seems to be coming from the top of the engine.
Will need to take cover off and have a look it sounds as though something mechanical is loose or faulty. Not a severe rattle but somethings not right.
Hopefully something simple i can sought if not garage here i come!

 

[jonco]

Can you get a `listening' stick on it to try and determine a more specific area. A few possibilities but could be a valve lifter sticking. If you take cover off this is what you can see.

 

[Paul Rice]

Thanks Jonco
Will be having a look in the morning, it does sound as though it could be a valve lifter as not a loud knocking as such more dense. Hard to explain but certainly needs further investigation its not a rattle its definately mechanical.

 

[Grumps]

Could it be the timing chain Paul?

 

[Paul Rice]

Could it be the timing chain Paul?

Don't think its the chain, it seems more dense than the noise the chain would make.
I'm not going to sleep tonight, my babies poorley

 

[Grumps]

Don't think its the chain, it seems more dense than the noise the chain would make.
I'm not going to sleep tonight, my babies poorley

Oh no don't be sad be mad! It shouldn't be letting you down! Damn car!

 

[Redline]

I had a similar noise. It turned out to be the oil filter had collapsed and was creating a hellish noise as oil cavitated around what was left. Hope your fix is as simple.

 

[Dino D]

I had a loose spark plug do this. On the 6cyl the plastic cover made it sound a very dull sound like something expensive and terminal. Got the cover off and it was obvious which plug it was.

 

[Paul Rice]

Hopefully something simple would be good.

 

[FRANKIE]

Can you get a `listening' stick on it to try and determine a more specific area. A few possibilities but could be a valve lifter sticking. If you take cover off this is what you can see.
View attachment 41161

While I've never had a Z engine apart, dual overhead cam engines have many similar parts. It is the valve spring that keeps the valve against the cam shaft lobe. If the spring weakens, it could create a noise by not allowing the valve to be in constant contact with the cam. Other parts that can wear are valve guides and retainer clips that hold the spring in place. If there is a lubrication problem, the valve doesn't travel as freely or quickly allowing it to 'slap' against the cam shaft instead of keeping a constant contact with it. Usually car manuals have troubleshooting guides that you can read through. These sometimes describe a sound an engine can make and give you all the possible causes for that particular sound. Keep us informed on your evaluation. Frankie

 

[Paul Rice]

Many thanks for all the possible faults, really helped me to not fear the worse.
Well the winner thankfully, of the spot the fault competition is Dino D
Loose spark plug on number two cylinder plus top of plug had worked loose and jammed in top of HT lead.
Treat car to a new set of spark plugs, loose bit of spark plug was a pig to get out of HT lead but at least it hadn't dropped down the cylinder, which was my first fear when i saw it missing off the top of the plug. Not sure how long it had been faulty but the plug was very very dry compared with the other three. Been out for a run car fine still some slight noise from the engine top but it is 18 years old and 93k on the clock.
So now time to give it a good clean ready for Sunday.
One relieved happy Bunny

 

[Bozzy]

I bet you're really relieved about that Paul .
Just shows never overlook the obvious hey......as I often do .

Steve

 

[Paul Rice]

I bet you're really relieved about that Paul .
Just shows never overlook the obvious hey......as I often do .

Steve

It also shows what a fantastic forum and knowledgeable group of people.
If you have a Zed its the only place to be
Now wondering what to spend the money on i have just saved!

 

[jonco]

................Now wondering what to spend the money on i have just saved!

Careful - the drinks will be on you this Sunday.

 

[Grumps]

Good news Paul.

 

[FRANKIE]

It also shows what a fantastic forum and knowledgeable group of people.
If you have a Zed its the only place to be
Now wondering what to spend the money on i have just saved!

I know how it can be such an incredible relief when you find out it's a minor problem and easily fixable. Almost feels like you want to dance. Frankie

View: https://youtu.be/9GUqjgXKi_I

 

[Lee]

This is like a fairy tale happy ending

 

[Lee]

Not that type of ending @hard top !

 

[t-tony]

Many thanks for all the possible faults, really helped me to not fear the worse.
Well the winner thankfully, of the spot the fault competition is Dino D
Loose spark plug on number two cylinder plus top of plug had worked loose and jammed in top of HT lead.
Treat car to a new set of spark plugs, loose bit of spark plug was a pig to get out of HT lead but at least it hadn't dropped down the cylinder, which was my first fear when i saw it missing off the top of the plug. Not sure how long it had been faulty but the plug was very very dry compared with the other three. Been out for a run car fine still some slight noise from the engine top but it is 18 years old and 93k on the clock.
So now time to give it a good clean ready for Sunday.
One relieved happy Bunny

Great news Paul, I bet you're happy.

Tony.