"rattly" engine

[ferny]

My mate phoned me this morning, "what you doing later?" "Why.....?"

You know the type of call! It's a 01 1.6lt 16v Astra SXI and apparently it's been losing water and now the engine is making a "rattling" noise. The temp. gauge says it hasn't over heated. I'll be going around tonight to have a look at it and expecting to not be able to advise anything. The power steering has also been dying randomly whilst driving. The fluid was low, her dad topped it up and when I asked if it had been bled I was told no. So I did lock-to-lock and each time the pump died. I did some research and apparently on these engines this is a sign the alternator is on its way out which is something she said she was going to replace soon anyway as whoever serviced it mentioned it. It'd done 80k mile and it's meant to be replaced then? Swapping one out on mileage is news to me.

So, I'm hoping it's a radiator leak and noisy alternator. But after reading Ian's thread I'm hoping it isn't a head gasket and timing belt on the way out. Any advice as I don't know Vauaxhall engines.

[guinnal]

This could be a worn alternator bearing, remove the fan belt, start the engine (alternator wont spin), if noise has gone, you have tracked it down. If the power steering pump is driven by same belt check that the pump rotates smoothly by hand just to be sure.
If it is still noisy- at the front driver side of the engine ,it could be the water pump on its way out. (Noise accompanied with water leak)
Carefully remove timing belt cover and start the engine, watch and listen. If noise is from the pump, stop engine and change the belt/tensioner/rollers and pump.

if neither of the above, get a mechanic to have a look and give you an opinon. Good luck.

[guinnal]

P.S. ....alternator is not a service/mileage change item. Belt is a fairly straightforward job.

[ferny]

Just had a look and sounds like the tappets. Took a video and will upload later. Will throw some cleaner in it and see.

[ferny]

Well the cause may have been found. Went inside for some wine when I posted that reply and afterwards went to see how much oil was in it to see if it had enough space to take the tappet cleaner I'd planned to pour in. After checking we went to the local garage to buy some oil so it at least started to show on the dipstick... Still makes a little noise but I don't think it's terminal, perhaps shortened its life a touch. Will still add some tappet fluid just in case it'll help. Can't do any harm!

[guinnal]

I forgot the golden rule- basics first! A flush/filter and fresh oil will make a big difference. Glad you sorted it.!

[DavidB]

My missus' MGF did this, was tapping like a mutha, it had no oil in! Was fine after filling though.

[ferny]

Yeah I know, how stupid of me to assume it actually had some oil in it!

Popped to where she works for lunch and the noise has almost gone now. Still a slight noise she's sure wasn't there before, but now she's listening for something it could just be paranoia over something never noticed before. Threw in some Wynns valve cleaner I hadn't used in the Mazda for good measure and we'll see what happens.
www.wynnoil.co.uk/products-wynns-oil-hydraulic-valve-lifter.htm

[baggabones]

Jul 17, 2014 12:41:12 GMT ferny said:

Yeah I know, how stupid of me to assume it actually had some oil in it!

Popped to where she works for lunch and the noise has almost gone now. Still a slight noise she's sure wasn't there before, but now she's listening for something it could just be paranoia over something never noticed before. Threw in some Wynns valve cleaner I hadn't used in the Mazda for good measure and we'll see what happens.
www.wynnoil.co.uk/products-wynns-oil-hydraulic-valve-lifter.htm

....so true about the oil thing! My boss's son had similar on his old punto, told him to put some oil in after I pulled the dipstick and didn't even need to wipe it! ....next thing he's there saying he can't get the oil in and it's spilling everywhere....you know where this is going??!!....trying to fill it through the dipstick tube! ....22 years old with a degree, the mind boggles!

[retrowrongun]

Jul 17, 2014 13:22:39 GMT baggabones said:

Jul 17, 2014 12:41:12 GMT ferny said:

Yeah I know, how stupid of me to assume it actually had some oil in it!

Popped to where she works for lunch and the noise has almost gone now. Still a slight noise she's sure wasn't there before, but now she's listening for something it could just be paranoia over something never noticed before. Threw in some Wynns valve cleaner I hadn't used in the Mazda for good measure and we'll see what happens.
www.wynnoil.co.uk/products-wynns-oil-hydraulic-valve-lifter.htm

....so true about the oil thing! My boss's son had similar on his old punto, told him to put some oil in after I pulled the dipstick and didn't even need to wipe it! ....next thing he's there saying he can't get the oil in and it's spilling everywhere....you know where this is going??!!....trying to fill it through the dipstick tube! ....22 years old with a degree, the mind boggles!

Haha surprising how dumb people can be at times although to be fair my mate tried to top oil up in his car via the water header tank I kid you not hahahahaa

When I asked him wtf his reply was that's how you do it as the lid is yellow pfft

Needless to say I laughed lots haha