A while ago our 2002 Focus TDCi's engine (80k miles) gave a brief jump/extra rattle on start-up - no other noises when running or turning off. When it went into the garage the guy suspected it could be starter, dual mass flywheel or glow plugs - that was over 18 months ago. We've made do with it since - avoiding shelling out £700+ probably - and all has been well until yesterday. On start-up something kept knocking badly until we turned the engine off. When we started it again the bad knocking noise had stopped and it no longer jumps/gives an extra rattle on start-up, although now a very slight pressure can be felt through the clutch pedal. Also, when driven a very slight vibration can be heard as revs build. Anyone had this before? Do you think it's the dual mass flywheel rubbing lightly against gearbox sides? Seems strange how it has kind of "changed state". Is it the end? Anyone recommend a garage in Grimsby/Cleethorpes?
Thanks for reading.

 

sounds like a faulty dmf to me
bad starting is also caused by it.


cheers

 

the dmf will never touch the gearbox, people misunderstand what happens when they fail. just leave it. mine was knackered for 100k miles no big issues.

 

my sisters 04 tdci started with a rattle noise on start up and within a few k it was terriblle noisy constantly.dmf and clutch had to be changed.

 

Thanks guys. Why would the jump/jolt on start-up that has lasted for 18 months disappear? What could have been causing it - any ideas? Car seems fine now apart from slight vibration as revs build above 3000rpm when driving.

 

ive seen a dual mass flywheel smash a bellhousing, take a massive chunk off the block and tear open the bulkhead on a focus so i for one would not just leave it!
nearly everyone i change is a pain to remove as they end up with that much play the centre of the dmf rubs against the heads of the bolts holding it on causing them to wear away so they are difficult to remove, if left they wear away to nothing then see above!