22 replies to this topic

[samohnz]

Hi there,

Returned from drive in mini and noticed distinctive rattle coming from around the flywheel area of the engine,at idle of around 800rpm.rattle seems to disappear with a increase of rev's, and also seems to disappear when clutch depressed.

Any thoughts ? is rattle a concern ? 

Cheers Samoh .

[Spider]

It does very much sound like Idler Gear Thrusts which can sometimes also be an early warning the that Idler Gear Bearings are also about to let go or have already done so. While they can sometimes go for a long while without attention, it's best to at least have a look at it, but usually easy to sort since you're in there. It is an engine out job.

[alex-95]

As above Idler gear bearings, exactly the same symptoms that I had with mine.

Edited by alex-95, 20 December 2015 - 09:50 AM.

[Alpenflitzer]

Can`t it be the chain ?  

Had some years ago the same rattling and it was caused by the chain tensioner. Each time you accelerate from idle it disappeared.

Edited by Alpenflitzer, 20 December 2015 - 11:06 AM.

[kezzkitkat]

If it was a chain the noise wouldn't go while clutch is down so definitely same side of the transfer gears,
if you haven't got a flip front to do engine jobs and engine need to be removed then I would consider looking at the clutch plate,water pump ,core plug,and as mention the timing chain or any other jobs that's need to be done

[KernowCooper]

Can`t it be the chain ?

Had some years ago the same rattling and it was caused by the chain tensioner. Each time you accelerate from idle it disappeared.

Coming from the Flywheel end though, yes timing chains do make a noise when worn at idle and sounds do travel, but not seen a timing chain go quiet when the clutch is pressed ? worth listen to  with a stethoscope

[Coxie]

Here's mine with idler gear rattle. You can hear the rattle start as the revs rise.
Turned out to be too much end float on the idler but bearings will make the same noise.

[Alpenflitzer]

 

Can`t it be the chain ?

Had some years ago the same rattling and it was caused by the chain tensioner. Each time you accelerate from idle it disappeared.

Coming from the Flywheel end though, yes timing chains do make a noise when worn at idle and sounds do travel, but not seen a timing chain go quiet when the clutch is pressed ? worth listen to  with a stethoscope

 

SOUNDS LOGICAL !

[samohnz]

thanks for the replies,Coxie, listened to your vid,ours is very distinct at idle,doesn't seem to sound the same as your noise,could it be the chain ? cheers Samoh 

[Dusky]

Use a screwdriver to locate the sound. 
If its the idler replace it asap. I bought a 1275 engin wich had a broken idler bearing, wrote off the crank and bores.

[Coxie]

thanks for the replies,Coxie, listened to your vid,ours is very distinct at idle,doesn't seem to sound the same as your noise,could it be the chain ? cheers Samoh

Get a video up if you can.

Edited by Coxie, 20 December 2015 - 06:24 PM.

[Cooperman]

The strangest rattle I've ever had was like a low rumble at low revs, increasing and becoming harsher when revved but going away at over around 2000 rpm. The timing chain was new and the transfer gears were recently fitted with new bearings.

In the end it turned out to be a fracture in the lug on the engine front plate where the alternator sliding adjustment plate bolts on. I found it when I was taking the alternator and starter motor off before removing the engine. So all I had to do was fit a new front plate.

[1984mini25]

The strangest rattle I've ever had was like a low rumble at low revs, increasing and becoming harsher when revved but going away at over around 2000 rpm. The timing chain was new...

 

The strangest rattle I've had other than a bolt in the centre exhaust mounting loosening itself, even though I'd locked 2 nuts up together. Was shortly after replacing the timing chain, sprockets and tensioner. It rattled like a mad at idle but went away while driving and drove reasonably fine, well compared to trying to limp back home a week earlier with a worn timing chain. Turned out after a bit of investigating that the 2 piece bottom crank pulley had lost all but 2 of its rivets and even those were pretty mangled and was just flapping around. Even more annoying, as because the crank pulley hadn't been touched in 25 years, it was rusted onto the end of the crank. So when I did the timing chain I mangled the pulley to remove it and refitted a second-hand replacement, witch was the pulley that had just failed.

[samohnz]

Hi, started mini again from dead cold,and noticed that rattle was very quiet, almost non existent,and de pressing the clutch seemed to make no difference in the sound that it was making, So am I just being over anxious !? Its just we've had to redo the head gasket,and other little things,I'm begining to think we own a pup!!

I will try and upload a vid,once i figure out how! cheers Samoh. Merry Xmas to all 

[Spider]

Hey Samoh,

 

Merry Christmas to you too mate :)

 

Mmmmm,,, I doubt it's a 'pup' just sounds like a Mini to me!

 

I would say the Idler Gear is quiet when it's cold from the Oil being thicker. Take it for a normal run again and then have a listen. Yes, I only have good news eh!

 

Cheers Chris