Hi all! I was hoping that someone on this forum could give me some advise. I currently have a mk 6 escort tdi, I started it this morning and it sounded like it was ticking over but a lot louder than normal? And when revved or driven its louder all the way through but seems to go ok? Was fine day before. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

has the air intake hose split or come off the airbox

 

Thanks for quick reply! Just had a look and all conected doesnt look split but will remove tomorrow and check! Sounds like its the top half of engine?

 

Are you sure it's not just noisy tappets and the stereo was turned down lower than normal ?, when were the shims last done ?
tabetha

 

Lol no wasn't because stereo low, definate difference in sound. I haven't a clue when the shims? were done. Only had car for a few weeks all was fine till this morning.

 

I've just taken the airbox hose off and no, no splits that I can see. I also had a boost gauge connected up but I've just disconnected in case of any air leak there but it's still as noisy? Are these shims something that all of a sudden start like this? Also am I ok to still use car? Thanks

 

has it got enough oil in it?

 

Yes checked oil lol a friend said that oil goes thin after so long which could affect tappets? But it seems ok, but as I don't no when last serviced maybe that's where to start? Just seems strange was fine one min and then the next it starts this noise?!?

 

I've just been out in it and there feels to be a very slight loss in power? And still very noisy! Any ideas?

 

The "shims" are just that shims that are fitted into the top of each bucket that sits on top of each valve, the shims are varying thicknesses so the gap between them and the cam is correct, if not changed/checked/adjusted for a long time, and most aren't, it can get very tappy, this affects power also, as it stops as much air as should be going into the engine and as much exhaust being pushed out as should be as the valves don't fully open.
The tappets are easy to do, just need basic tools plus feeler gauge, and vernier, they are a VERY common shim, used on seat/vw/pug/citroen/renault etc etc.
You can even do swappsies, ie if after measuring the gap is too small on one valve you can use a thinner tappet off another valve etc, they are about Ł3 each, so a whole set would only cost Ł24 anyway, take about 3 hours to do, no need to remove cam even to do them, they can be flicked out with a decent screwdriver levered against the cam.
The best thing is to buy Haynes book no 1172, this covers your engine in detail(and the 1.6), it is a engine only manual, but well worth the money.
tabetha

 

Thanks for the info tabetha. I'll get the relevant tools together and have a look at them. Are they prone to just go like that all of a sudden?

 

They can get noisy just like that, yes, esp with old oil after a good thrash.
tabetha

 

Ah ok well thanks for the help/info will have a look as soon as!