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Knocking noise from engine - panic
nib1980 - 26/4/09 at 12:27 PM

Hi all

I just finished fitting the new shortened sump (thanks v much Trev D)

Gone to start the engine, and there is a hurrendous knocking noise from the engine.

wasn't there before and all that has changed is the sump and exhaust.

I know the timing is out, as it spits and pops a bit, but it's not that (I think)

All i can think is that whe I shortened the Oil pick up pipe. I didn't do it enough and it's knocking on the sump.

I really have just about had enough, i just want to get back on the road and I'm dreading having to take the engine back out again.

My main worry is it might be symptoms of something more serious.

Any one got any ideas?

P.S. I'm going to get very drunk NOW


Many thanks

[Edited on 26/4/09 by nib1980]

MakeEverything - 26/4/09 at 12:32 PM

I dont know much about Zetec, but i would;


Check clearances between the crank and the sump

Check the pickup pipe isnt interfering with the crank / sump (as you said)

check the timing isnt too far out. Valves dont squash too well when the hit the topof the pistons.

Like i said, im not a Zetec-er, but this is what id check to start with.

omega0684 - 26/4/09 at 12:32 PM

isn't the oil pick up in a fixed position? if there is a knocking noise could it be the crank knocking on something?

nib1980 - 26/4/09 at 12:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Paul TigerB6
Eek. Whats your oil pressure like? Are you sure the oil pump has primed and the oil pickup is properly fitted / not leaking??





Picku is shortened but not got the Big filter on. basically just cut down

Seems to come up to pressure fine (well what it was before)

I thought i'd set it to be 5 mm clear of the sump

(P.S. It's a xflow not a zetec)

nib1980 - 26/4/09 at 12:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by omega0684
isn't the oil pick up in a fixed position? if there is a knocking noise could it be the crank knocking on something?


exactly thats my worry.


BUT nothing has change apart from the sump length

MakeEverything - 26/4/09 at 12:40 PM

looks like you need to whip the sump off before it fractures then.

omega0684 - 26/4/09 at 12:40 PM

sump too short then?

clairetoo - 26/4/09 at 12:40 PM

Have you tried pulling the plugs out , and turning it by hand ? That should tell you what's hitting without further damage .
It sounds to me that it could be the rod's hitting the side's of the sump (they are very close)

nib1980 - 26/4/09 at 12:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by clairetoo
Have you tried pulling the plugs out , and turning it by hand ? That should tell you what's hitting without further damage .
It sounds to me that it could be the rod's hitting the side's of the sump (they are very close)


yeah it all seems fine by hand, the sump hasn't been shortend too much I'm fairly sure simlar to this method http://www.dwjenkins.plus.com/short-sump.htm

madteg - 26/4/09 at 12:52 PM

Had very similar problem, turned fine by hand but knocked when running found out that big end journal was hitting the top of oil pick up pipe. You could only just see where it was hitting it but it sounded horrendous. the sump is not touching the oil pick up whey tightened up is it. Hope this helps.

nib1980 - 26/4/09 at 12:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by madteg
Had very similar problem, turned fine by hand but knocked when running found out that big end journal was hitting the top of oil pick up pipe. You could only just see where it was hitting it but it sounded horrendous. the sump is not touching the oil pick up whey tightened up is it. Hope this helps.


this is my thoughts, I think sadly it's going to be an engine out job again. and another wonderful £30 on gaskets

David Jenkins - 26/4/09 at 01:33 PM

I can't remember what engine this is for - was it a 1600 x-flow?

Just a thought - did you shorten your original sump, or buy one to modify? If you bought one, was it for a 1300?

If so - I made the same mistake - the 1300 sump is about an inch shallower, and gets hit by the 1600 crank.

If that's not the scenario - ignore me!

MakeEverything - 26/4/09 at 03:39 PM

quote:
Originally posted by nib1980
quote:
Originally posted by madteg
Had very similar problem, turned fine by hand but knocked when running found out that big end journal was hitting the top of oil pick up pipe. You could only just see where it was hitting it but it sounded horrendous. the sump is not touching the oil pick up whey tightened up is it. Hope this helps.


this is my thoughts, I think sadly it's going to be an engine out job again. and another wonderful £30 on gaskets


Can you not just put the whole car in the air using jacks and stands?

If the gaskets are new, you should be able to use them again? They wont be crushed that much by now, unless of course youve used the gasket adhesive as well?

nib1980 - 26/4/09 at 05:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
I can't remember what engine this is for - was it a 1600 x-flow?

Just a thought - did you shorten your original sump, or buy one to modify? If you bought one, was it for a 1300?

If so - I made the same mistake - the 1300 sump is about an inch shallower, and gets hit by the 1600 crank.

If that's not the scenario - ignore me!


nope i modified the 1600 sump, But good point.

I'm hoping it's the pick up pipe knocking on something, but only one way to check.

nib1980 - 26/4/09 at 05:53 PM

[quote
Can you not just put the whole car in the air using jacks and stands?

If the gaskets are new, you should be able to use them again? They wont be crushed that much by now, unless of course youve used the gasket adhesive as well?




Nope the xflow is a pig, and needs the gear box moved off at least, maybe just maybe that will be enough but refitting upsude down is a pig, but doable.