Rattling noise when engine cold

[berty]

Has anyone else got a metalic rattling nose when the engine is cold, it seems to get less & less as the engine warms up.

[Den W]

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-f...when-cold.html
have a look on here

[South Shore Lad]

I think it's accepted that the new engine has a characteristic 'tappety' type rattle (something to do with the fuel injectors?).

The noise being referred to in the video clip above is definitely NOT normal - I've heard quieter tractors!

SSL

[berty]

Its not a tappety/tractor noise, its more like a metal washer vibrating

[ru81]

Are you sure its not the clutch? I get a slight rattle from my clutch if the pedal is relased and the car is in neutral.

[berty]

No it there when im driving along & seems to go when the engines warm. Also has anyone else noticed a clunking noise when reversing & setting off in 1st gear.

[msh441]

Yes, I know what you're talking about. Mine has developed this recently, too. VERY different from the "heavy" rattle that has been described extencivly elsewhere.

It's a very light//buzzy/tinney sound. More like a tin pie pan vibrating on a metal surface. Somewhere around the turbo or headers. Seems to be most evident under way, in gear, at lower-moderate RPM (idel-4000). Not as evident at idel, or with the clutch in under way (low-low RPM's), but still there. Goes away once the engine warms up.

My guess is that it's an exhaust leak around the turbo or headers. It sounds just like it and the noise going away as the gasket expands & seals... or it's a piece of heat shielding touching some part of the exhaus or turbo.

Mine goes in this week to get checked out.

[msh441]

Update: Well mine's at the dealership. Got the JCW kit installed, the secret compartment retofitted and my tach face replaced (scratched at the dealers). I asked them to eval and fix the rattly noise, too (of course).

First day they found the oil was a little under a 1/2 quart low. They didn't hear the noise on start up (the car was warm already), but their initial guess was that low oil level in the heads was causing a little rattle up top - similar to the other rattle described elsewhere. I was sceptical, but they did an oil change and topped everything off out of interval and free of charge... so I wasn't going to stop them. Didn't hear anything later that day when driven.

Did the JCW (and other part install) on day 2 without incident.

Day 3 the service tech goes to move the car and there it is. Just as described: tinny, LOUD, up top near the turbo/headers/heat shielding/cam chain cover. Went away after about 5 minutes (after the car warmed up). It's Saturday noon, so the car is set aside for a detailed inspection by the lead mechanic on Monday. I was told it would be his only job until fixed.

On the down-side: 1) I've been told by the dealer that the noise is "unacceptable" and that they are not going to give the car back until it's properly diagnosed and fixed. So I'm out my car for the next few days to a week (if all goes well) 2) I'm no longer in the "no problems with my MINI" camp.

On the up-side: 1) The car did what it was doing in front of somone who mattered 2) It seems that I have a dealer that is committed to figuring out what's up and fixing the problem vs. taking the position that "they all do that, sir", or "it's a charactoristic of the engine" 3) I have been given a rental car at the dealers expence until it's fixed, so again, I'm at least mobile.

We'll see what comes up next week.

[LizzyG]

Mine makes a slight metallic rattly noise when it is cold, goes away when it has warmed up. I don't know whether it is the same sound msh441's car is making though as mine is not an S, just a Cooper.

[andrewcregan]

My pal has a MCS and complains about the same thing. It is going in on Monday to get it sorted under warranty - he said it is a known problem.

[msh441]

Quote: Originally Posted by andrewcregan (original)

"he said it is a known problem."

As in "known to be a problem", or "a problem with a known solution"?

If it's the latter, how about getting some details from him and posting here?

[msh441]

Welllllll.... I'm picking my car up from the dealer tomorrow. They say the rattling noise has been identified and fixed... but we'll see.

After installing the JCW kit, they listened for the noise and heard what they believed I was describing. They thought it was coming from the cam chain. When they removed the cam chain tensioner, they observed that it was getting very little oil in the piston. It was replaced two days ago and they kept the car for the last couple so they could repeatedly let the car cool & restart. They say it's fixed and the new tensioner is getting sufficient oil. We shall see.

I'm somwhat sceptical, as the rattle I heard was very exhaust-related IMO. Now, I had the JCW engine kit done at the same time... so maybe the exhaust seal issue (if thats what it was) was resolved before they checked on the annoying buzz/rattle. I don't know. Time will tell. As it is, I've now joined the "new chain tensioner" club. I guess I will see tomorrow.

[CAPRI]

Did the cam chain tensioner fix the problem ??
Mines got all the usual "death rattle" noises to which the MINI guys can either
1) never hear when it goes back in
2) when they hear it (when i'm with them!) MINI technical do not recognise as a problem

after 2 wasted attempts to "hear" the problem they have now recommended a new chain tensioner.

Getting it back Tuesday morning but i'm not holding my breath !!

Any feedback would be appreciated

[msh441]

Quote: Originally Posted by CAPRI (original)

Any feedback would be appreciated

Check the other thread.

All your answers and more are there. Not trying NOT to be helpful... but the other thread has probably the most detail on this issue ANYWHERE... including videos to show your dealer and other owners experiences.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-f...when-cold.html

[danielsj]

Quote: Originally Posted by berty (original)

Has anyone else got a metalic rattling nose when the engine is cold, it seems to get less & less as the engine warms up.

I have a Dec 07 Cooper and last year it started to develop a rattle when cold which disappeared as the engine warmed up. The engine also seemed sluggish and rough. I took it to the dealer (Vines, Redhill) who told my wife that this was a known problem. I've tried to find out what remedial work was done (all under warranty) but the best that the wife can recall was "rebuilding the top end of the engine" which implies rather more than a quick fix. Sounds like a camshaft / valves problem.

I don't suppose there will be any prospect of a recall.