Clanking noise

[Pedro 70]

Hi all, Hope somone can help with noise coming from my 1986 2.8i. I know noises are difficult to diagnose without actually hearing bur here goes. Metalic clanking type noise coming from the engine. Started after winter hibernation and getting worse. Engine starts and runs and idles perfectly. At low revs when first started the noise is very prominent but raising the revs the noise disappears as though removing slack from a timing chain, but of course no timing chain returning when back at idle. Removed all the belts at the front of engne eliminating all the pully bearings, noise still there. Checked the engine mounts, all good, nothing loose. Noise appears to come from the top of the engine and does not go up and down with revs. Car drive perfectly on the road but the noise is getting worse as even the wife noticed it. Hope someone can give me a push in the right direction Thanks in anticipation...Peter

[Peter-S]

Hi all, Hope somone can help with noise coming from my 1986 2.8i. I know noises are difficult to diagnose without actually hearing bur here goes. Metalic clanking type noise coming from the engine. Started after winter hibernation and getting worse. Engine starts and runs and idles perfectly. At low revs when first started the noise is very prominent but raising the revs the noise disappears as though removing slack from a timing chain, but of course no timing chain returning when back at idle. Removed all the belts at the front of engne eliminating all the pully bearings, noise still there. Checked the engine mounts, all good, nothing loose. Noise appears to come from the top of the engine and does not go up and down with revs. Car drive perfectly on the road but the noise is getting worse as even the wife noticed it. Hope someone can give me a push in the right direction Thanks in anticipation...Peter

As you say, without hearing it a diagnosis is difficult but as you have tried with belts off I would suggest checking the valve gear.

[D366Y]

Having suffered many noises over the years I can attest to starting with valves

Otherwise my only other big noise was the bottom end letting go which was unfortunately a much bigger fix

[Pedro 70]

Thanks guys will delve into the valve area. Will let you know if I have any success.

[Pedro 70]

Valve area seems fine but further investigation is leading me towards the front of the engine. Could either of the timing wheels work loose and rattle around on the shafts do you think? Not come off therefore allowing the engine to run perfectly. Any thoughts before I start removing the covers. Thanks

[Mc Tool]

I dunno jack about ford V6's but most of the engines using timing gears leave the factory with the camshaft gear having nylon teeth ( to reduce noise ) and these do tend to disintegrate at some point .........so you might be on to something there.
Mmmm Kwaka 9 , one of the good ones too