Rattling noise

[samburton53]

Hi all, when accelerating in my MK2 VTR, I get a noise that sounds like a metallic rattle, almost like a loose heat shield.

I've checked the heat shield on the manifold, it's on there good and tight. Is there anything else that could be causing the rattle?

Also, it is noticable mainly before I reach 3000 on the rev counter.

[Dave_P]

Baffles in exhaust?

[samburton53]

Where abouts would they be, in the centre section? Would I be able to fix that?

[LSOfreak]

where abouts is it coming from? front/back/under the car?

[samburton53]

Definitely sounds like it's coming from the front of the car... or at least middle to front. It doesn't sound like it's coming from the rear.

[LSOfreak]

do you think its the interior? like something behind the dash or headlining or doorcards

[VTS123]

If it does it only when the engine is under load then it could be pinking

[samburton53]

It's not the interior or any of the trim, if i open the window i can hear it more. Also, its a kind of metallic rattle.

What do you mean by pinking mate?

[mishy]

pinking is when combustion happens early basically. but it sounds more like the exhaust system is knocking on something, check the exhaust hangars.

[samburton53]

Yeah there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the engine, surely if it was pinking I would notice a change in performance, or engine tone? I'll check the exhaust tomorrow.

[VTS123]

If it is pinking (also known as pre-ignition) it will do it when the throttle is open wider than it needs to be for the speed of the engine. If the noise stops when you ease back a little on the throttle then that is what it could be. It will happen more going up hills or if you have a full car too.
Redex might help stop it.

[samburton53]

It seems to happen regardless of how heavy I am on the throttle, but the noise dissapears when the engine gets up into the higher end of the rev range (around 3000 on the tachometer).

Seems to be the same regardless of how much weight I have in the car.

[stevo67]

Right this is a long shot,on my saxo I had an open induction kit when I accelerated I got a similar noise to what you described.When I changed back to a standard set-up the noise went,when I looked inside the induction kit it had lots of oil inside it.My only guess is that under load the oil was trickling around inside it causing the noise.

Steve.

[LSOfreak]

could it be an exhaust leak?

[adzvtr]

is it an early mk 2 with the cat under the car, if it is it could be the shield on the cat worked loose

[kieranc07]

mine dose this same noise if i hold the revs around 3000 it sounds dead like a heat shield but ive had them off and there all fine and my friend has same noise but taken all of his off and still dose it!! :(:( get a video up and ill record mine and do a video :)

[kennym1987]

is it when the clutch is up?

[moxy89]

mine does the same, pisses me right off...

[samburton53]

Thanks for replies guys.

Stevo - I have changed from standard air box to an induction kit, the noise is exactly the same for both...

LSO - could an exhaust leak create a rattle? The exhaust tone is still very quiet.

adz - It's one of the later models with a manicat. Could the shield on it have gotten loose?

Kieran - I tried to record the noise before, but my phone won't pick it up... I don't have anything else to record it with! I expect it is the same noise, does anyone have any more ideas as to what it could be?

[samburton53]

kenny - yeah, the noise is when the clutch is up, it makes it when the car is revved in neutral too though.

[barwell1992]

im having the same problem, i think mines heat shield or hand brake cable going to fit a 1.1 mid section and see if it goes

mines a mk2 with mani cat as well

[MrsHazzza106]

Having same problem with our mk2 VTR, stripped out, it’s defo coming from under the front to middle section, rattling we thought heat shield but it isn’t.

Any ideas?