Rattling when idling

[Emilys dad]

My 3 litre diesel (94 year) has developed a rattle on tick over. It seems to go away when revving, however when ticking over it really rattles. I suppose like a loud ticking.

Any ideas ?

[BUSHWHACKER]

My 3 litre diesel (94 year) has developed a rattle on tick over. It seems to go away when revving, however when ticking over it really rattles. I suppose like a loud ticking.

Any ideas ?

Low or old engine oil.

Is it coming from the engine, or something bolted on or around it?

Whats the oil pressure gauge reading?

[Emilys dad]

Oil Pressure is reading fine as it has for the last 12 months. Its coming up to an MOT and could do with a service. The noise definately feels as though its coming from the engine. Cant find anything loose.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Oil Pressure is reading fine as it has for the last 12 months. Its coming up to an MOT and could do with a service. The noise definately feels as though its coming from the engine. Cant find anything loose.

Next thing to check is the condition of the oil on the dipstick. If it's sooty black, it needs changing, filter too. (approx 7 litres for a complete oil and filter change.

[Emilys dad]

The oil does look black alright. I have a couple of pretty long journeys I need to make this week, starting tomorrow. Given that it needs a service and oil and filter changes, how am I to use it, or would I get this sorted before any reasonable journey ?

PS Many thanks for advice

[BUSHWHACKER]

If you've got rattly top end in the engine, and the oil is old, you should change the oil and filter as soon as possible before any long journey or more damage/wear will occur.

[mickey]

Oil Pressure is reading fine as it has for the last 12 months. Its coming up to an MOT and could do with a service. The noise definately feels as though its coming from the engine. Cant find anything loose.

I'm not sure what sound it would make, but some surfing engine rattles have been traced to the cam belt tensioner..Unrelated, by i assume she ain't smoking any more than usual?

Black oil? Hmm, mine turns black within a day of changing it! My mate has a gas powered jeep cherokee and the oil stays amber indefinitely!..I guess i'm not getting enough of the old stuff out when i do my three monthly changes? like the old residual murk is contaminating my really expensive Magnatec..

Any sense in topping up with cheapo oil, then running it, draining and refilling with good stuff? I know we go on about changing the oil filter at each oil change because theres little value in mixing the old and new..But by the looks of it, i'm leaving more in the engine than would be left in a filter anyway..I always change the oil when its hot, using the logic it'll drain faster..Should it be done cold, when its all in the sump..or am i talking rubbish again?

Sorry about the hijack ED..to bring it back on track..what kinda mileage/interval are you doing your oil/filter changes at?

[MudSurfer]

What I normally do is drive about for maybe 5-10 mins, then leave it about 30 mins, drain the sump then flush through with cheapo stuff and leave it with the plug out and the filler cap off for an hour or so - then lug back in, new filter (filled with lovely new oil) fill up with nice oil and top up with MolySlip.....

I know it takes ages, but that way I know all the crap is out...