94 Surf 3.0TD - Newbie help needed - vibrating, tapping noise coming from engine

[9InchNinja]

Hi, just bought my first surf 3 weeks ago. Ran like a dream on diesel, and on SVO - until I got the wrong stuff from Costco an filled it up with Soy Oil. Ran lumpy and started vibrating.

On the way from Newbury to Devon on Friday this tapping noise started coming from the engine somewhere (not even slightly mechanically minded - I'm a computer geek)

I've search through the forum but can't seem to find the answers here...

The truck runs fine, no loss of power etc. Get quick blast of black smoke when revving the engine in neutral (had pin-prick rad leak, so whacked in rad-weld and topped up) but still that damn ticking and vibrating.

Anyone had this before? And if so is this going to be a costly repair? I read on here that it could be injector sticking / blocked ('cause I'm a tight git an bought the cheapest oil) but don't know how I can check this myself - I presume this could be tricky with just a Leatherman multi-tool and a hammer?!

Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm based in Newbury, so if anyone knows any Surf specialists in Newbury / Basingstoke area please let me know.

Oh, one more thing (sorry!) can I still drive the truck without the fear of killing it completely??

Cheers!

Ben

[Koi]

Hi, welcome.

Can think of one bloke near you, he's not to shabby on Surf's either

[Ploddit]

He won't like the radweld....should have used your computer skills to solder it!

[9InchNinja]

He won't like the radweld....should have used your computer skills to solder it!

I was going to use eggs, but didn't have any of those knocking around in the boot!

Koi, thankyou for your welcome. Who would you be talking about?

Cheers,

Ben

[9InchNinja]

Right - further update.

Someone at a garage had a listen to it and said it sounds like a cam follower. They want £50 per hour just to investigate though - said it could take a couple of hours at least!

I just need to know if it's gonna go bang if I keep using it - until I can find someone more reasonably priced! I don't think even Toyota charge that much themselves!

I'm tempted to go to halfrauds an get whatever tools I'll need (aparently a hammer is not sufficient for some of the more fiddly jobs - sounds like a design fault) and tackle this myself.

Can't be that difficult, can it??

[Koi]

Look up TonyN on here, hes in basingstoke, just outside.
Think his number is on here or his website.

[9InchNinja]

Look up TonyN on here, hes in basingstoke, just outside.
Think his number is on here or his website.

thanks Koi,

message sent via his website (my mobile is unwell also!)

[9InchNinja]

Ggrrrrrrr.

This goes from bad to worse...

Went to Newbury 4x4 who listened to it, said I should start looking for a new engine as its cheaper than a rebuild?!?

Is this the case?

it's only a tapping sound ffs! I'm about ready to set fire to the ###### thing

I'll try TonyN again!

HELP!

[flounderbout]

This goes from bad to worse...

Went to Newbury 4x4 who listened to it, said I should start looking for a new engine as its cheaper than a rebuild?!?

Is this the case?

it's only a tapping sound ffs! I'm about ready to set fire to the ###### thing

I'll try TonyN again!

HELP!

Do not on any account let some specialist 4x4 garage do anything to it. Tony's dog is having an op today so you won't get hold of him, but he'll get back to you, and he will a) tell you like it is, b) do what needs doing if it can be done, and c) not rip you off. There is every chance that your local 4x4 specialist will do none of the above, particularly if that is the best advice they have to offer based on hearing a knocking.

I say this because my first busted head was taken to a local recommended 4x4 specialist. They charged me £600 to take out the engine and tell me the head had blown (which was pretty fecking obvious). I kid you not. Unfortunately I had not yet discovered Tony's services. I don't go anywhere near garages any more.

[9InchNinja]

Do not on any account let some specialist 4x4 garage do anything to it. Tony's dog is having an op today so you won't get hold of him, but he'll get back to you, and he will a) tell you like it is, b) do what needs doing if it can be done, and c) not rip you off. There is every chance that your local 4x4 specialist will do none of the above, particularly if that is the best advice they have to offer based on hearing a knocking.

I say this because my first busted head was taken to a local recommended 4x4 specialist. They charged me £600 to take out the engine and tell me the head had blown (which was pretty fecking obvious). I kid you not. Unfortunately I had not yet discovered Tony's services. I don't go anywhere near garages any more.

Hi, thanks for your reply.

I just spoke to Tony. Didn't realise his dog was in for an op - feel bad disturbing him now.

Got it booked in to see him on Monday afternoon - starting to feel better already! I've not lost any power or oil or water anywhere, so it can't be that bad *fingers crossed*!

BTW - the garage wasnt Newbury 4x4 was it?!?

They were more than happy to spend a couple of hours "investigating" @ £50 per hour.

Think I'll stick to Tonys services from now on then - and he does mods too. I can see my hard earned wages being put to good use - always wanted something to rival my LR 90 off-road beasty. Mrs 9InchNinja won't be too happy though, I'm already under instruction not to get it lifted - but I'm thinking she may not even notice a 2" lift and some new 35's on there