Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Palmo]

Hoping someone can help me a little. My Omega has the BMW 2.5TD.

Firstly, this is going to be a longish post to give full background so apologies for that in advance.

Background
Basically I have a strong 'ticking noise' on idle. When revved to say 2000 rpm or above the noise seems to be considerably reduced / goes completely. I've had several suggestions such as Hydraulic Tappets, Timing chain / Tensioner, Injectors etc.

My question is, are these engines usually 'quiet' (subjective I know) at idle? I know all diesels are louder than their petrol equivalents - but do they usually suffer from a specific ticking / tapping? Car is a 99, T Reg with 124k on clock.

I have had hydraulic tappets changed for new ones which didn't cure the problem. I also changed the Water Pump as a precaution as I understand these are a weak part.

A few days ago I popped into a BMW specialist in Manchester who first commented that "these BMW Diesel engines are usually bullet proof" (I know some people disagree about this engine). He said that he has worked on these for years (in BMW cars obviously) and not generally seen too many problems. He had no explanation of what the noise was.

I have also been to a diesel specialist who said he has done a reasonable amount of work on these BMW diesel engines - again I was told they are 'very durable' - which were his words? Anyway, it was suggested that this could very well be an injector and to consider having them overhauled as my car has done 124k. He thought an injector(s) may be sticking OR leaking too much fuel past the nozzel(s) i.e. leaking fuel as the piston is on it's way back up causing the 'tapping noise'? (not sure if I've explained the second bit right?).

After doing some ringing around I can get them overhauled / a re-conditioned set - exchange - for £16.50 each + VAT = £116.33 for all 6 including VAT. Is this a good price? I will gladly pay the money if this is definitely what is causing the noise. Today I noticed the noise was very intermittent, unlike usual when it is constant - engine sounds great (for a diesel) when the noise is not there.

Would really appreciate advise as the car runs perfect in all other ways and it's spoiling the car. It has been like this since I got the car about 6 - 7k miles ago. I wouldn't say the noise is getting any worse either. Tends to do it less from cold (although still there) but worse when engine is fully warm.

Footage of actual Noise
See attached link where I have tried to capture the noise by using the movie function on my digital camera. Ignore the footage itself as I needed to be in the drivers seat to rev the engine (no one to assist I'm afraid) and so ended up pointing the camera down towards the ground to get the best sound. You may need to turn up your volume to get the best sound effect from this clip, but the noise captured is a fairly good representation - maybe listen to it a few times to get best feel for the noise.

Only lasts 20 odd seconds - hope this works!


http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i205/Palmo_2006/?action=view&current=MOV01256.flv

Anyway I'll see what people in the know think on here to the noise first.....particularly interested in peoples comments who have one of these and can compare with theirs!

Thanks in advance.

Edited: to amend link.

[hotel21]

Sorry matey.  Tried your link but 'page not found'.......

Cracking idea though, to get a feel for any weird noises.  Hope you get the link squared away (beyond my computer competance limit!!) so we could possibly help out.

Broocie

[Auto Addict]

Sorry matey.  Tried your link but 'page not found'.......

Cracking idea though, to get a feel for any weird noises.  Hope you get the link squared away (beyond my computer competance limit!!) so we could possibly help out.

Broocie

Same here....

[Palmo]

Thanks for pointing out the problem!

Link now amended on original post but also added below.

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i205/Palmo_2006/?action=view&current=MOV01256.flv

I basically copied it from a thread I have posted it on in another forum - the link was then effected. This one should now be fine.

[hotel21]

Link works now!!

Certainly sounds like a metallic/injector needle type noise to me and would be leaning towards injectors or fuel pump.  

I would firstly try a fuel system purge/flush.  I know Wynns do one.  Not the one that you pour into the tank, but remove the fuel filter and fill it, replace then run.  Its supposed to be a seperate supply from a pump and not as described, but the end effect is similar.

On the bigger industrial type diesels I used to work on, we would make up a blank plug for the injector supply line then place it in turn on each line, run the engine and see if the noise reduces/goes away.  The engine runs rough as a badges ar$e when testing, but you can spot the duffer injector this way - as long as theres only the one!!  If its more than 2, then this may not work too great as the engine may not run.

Not sure how this applies to the Beemer engine.  Would recommend a second opinion from someone more experienced with them before trying.

HtH

Broocie

[Marks DTM Calib]

Just sounds like a diesel engine, they tend to tick a bit like that.....you could try running a strong diesel injector cleaner mix through (Forte?)

[omegaV6CD]

OK,
Run the engine and start undoing the high pressure fuel line that goes on each injector one by one, like that you will identify if it is fuel system related. If the problem is fuel system related and you are going to keep the car then you should invest in having fuel pump and injector service. As it might as well be a fuel delivery valve that is causing the noise. If possible do not rely only on additives, the only way to see if a fuel system is performing well is on the tester.

[mjl1644]

excellent clip idea to relay the problem!

Its sounds just like my 2.5TD - not that that's much help to you - but I've run mine for around 25k miles with a similar sound without engine problem...they do say "if it ain't bust, don't fix it!" ... if you can live with the noise.

It does sound like a top end tick - injector wise.  Assuming you have checked that the fan blades are not catching on the shroud, and daft things like that, perhaps disconnecting the HP lines to each injector to try and isolate the noise could be worth a non-cost shot...but keep your fingers clear!!

Mike

[Palmo]

Thanks for responses - anyone got anymore comments?

[nixoro]

Perhaps the timing is slightly out might be possible even with a chain

[imilet1]

did you solve a problem?What was wrong???

[Welung666]

I bet the dust took some shifting to find this one out!

[imilet1]

I have the same problems with knocking between 1500 to 2000rpm. My omega have new nozzles...

[PhilRich]

  How come a 4 year old post turns up now?, surely the bloke has got it sorted by now???

[dbug]

Would have hoped so - OPs Last Post:-   06. Feb 2007 at 14:12