Low rumbling engine noise!

[Joe7]

I just noticed when driving a low pitch rumbling noise coming from my engine, it is stock and I haven't done any modifications to my engine but it sounds like I have put and induction kit on it! It is worrying and I don't want to drive on it. Has anyone had a similar problem or knows what it could be? My car is a 1.1 forte 2002. Thanks Joe

[MartinObviously]

Oh dear, rumbling is one potential sign of worn big end bearings (either conrod or crankshaft bearings). that's worst case scenario.

Does the car knock at all on startup, any tapping at all? does the oil pressure warning light go out straight away or does it stay on for a few seconds after starting?

It's definitely your engine? no change with the clutch in or out in neutral or gear?

Does the noise change when you put your foot down, you said it sounds like an induction kit maybe you have a blowing exhaust?


the most important question of all, do you have enough oil and is it the right grads (10W40 semi synthetic)

[RustySkull]

Oh dear, rumbling is one potential sign of worn big end bearings (either conrod or crankshaft bearings). that's worst case scenario.

Does the car knock at all on startup, any tapping at all? does the oil pressure warning light go out straight away or does it stay on for a few seconds after starting?

It's definitely your engine? no change with the clutch in or out in neutral or gear?

Does the noise change when you put your foot down, you said it sounds like an induction kit maybe you have a blowing exhaust?


the most important question of all, do you have enough oil and is it the right grads (10W40 semi synthetic)

All these are big factors, look into them ASAP!

[Joe7]

Oh dear, rumbling is one potential sign of worn big end bearings (either conrod or crankshaft bearings). that's worst case scenario.

Does the car knock at all on startup, any tapping at all? does the oil pressure warning light go out straight away or does it stay on for a few seconds after starting?

It's definitely your engine? no change with the clutch in or out in neutral or gear?

Does the noise change when you put your foot down, you said it sounds like an induction kit maybe you have a blowing exhaust?


the most important question of all, do you have enough oil and is it the right grads (10W40 semi synthetic)

Thanks for your suggestions,

It's quite a strange noise and it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem, it's like the whole noise of the engine has just been made to sound deeper so possibly something to do with the exhaust?

[Ali123]

Thanks for your suggestions,

It's quite a strange noise and it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem, it's like the whole noise of the engine has just been made to sound deeper so possibly something to do with the exhaust?

blowing exhaust yeah

[MartinObviously]

Thanks for your suggestions,

It's quite a strange noise and it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem, it's like the whole noise of the engine has just been made to sound deeper so possibly something to do with the exhaust?

Well that should be nice and easy to check :) Exhaust blows can happen quite suddenly.

If you don't have ramps or axle stands, driving up on the kerb should give you enough clearance to get underneath. IF it's blowing it's most likely at a joint or a clamp, start with the back box. that's where mine went the first time around on my last 106.

When you said rumbling, I thought you meant like a bearing kind of rumbling :P

[Joe7]

I had a look at the whole exhaust today and there's a connection at the front underneath the engine is think is call the lambda that had broken off so I welded it back on and put sealant paste round it and now it's running fine, thanks to everyone who posted a reply much appreciated :)

[MartinObviously]

I had a look at the whole exhaust today and there's a connection at the front underneath the engine is think is call the lambda that had broken off so I welded it back on and put sealant paste round it and now it's running fine, thanks to everyone who posted a reply much appreciated :)

Did you not have an engine management light on? lol

[Joe7]

Did you not have an engine management light on? lol

No I didn't funnily enough, should I have done?

[MartinObviously]

No I didn't funnily enough, should I have done?

If it was blowing at the lambda, I'd have expected the Engine management light to come on :P

nevermind haha!

Main thing is you've sorted it. :y:

[RustySkull]

Nah it won't come on if it's blowing around there, if you unplug it or take it out it might come on. I ran mine with no sensor and no light came on as long as it was plugged in.

[Saxo_Ross]

Ive now unplugged mine and still no light!

[RustySkull]

Hahaa don't complain dude :)

On the other hand are you sure there's a bulb in it? Lol