Hi all,
Lovely sunny day here in France so took the car out for a short run to keep the oil circulated. Anyway on the way back the car started a knocking noise which I thought straight away that must be the variator noise.
So low revs little knocking noise, as revs rise so does the knocking. With the bonnet up and raising the revs the noise is definitely a knocking and putting a hand on the top of the engine/cover the knocking feels central between cylinders 3 and 4 the greatest vibration/knock.
The noise is similar to the youtube recording on the variator noise. Any helpful suggestions appreciated.
I am reasonably happy to change the variator if I can obtain any special tools required. (happy to buy the camlocks) but not sure of any other tools.
Regards
Steve D

I am no expert, but I thought the variator noise would be heard on start up first, for slowly increasing amounts of time. Perhaps tappets?

Hi Millmoo,
Yes, its reasonably quiet on tick-over, noisier as revs rise. I have had another look and with the spark plug cover removed the knocking appears to come from the raised cover area over the cam area to the right of the oil filler cap and central , that is in the middle of the raised rectangular part of the cover.
If it is the tappets, I think these are hydraulic and not adjustable. I am beginning to suspect the profile of the cam is perhaps worn????

Before I take it to a garage for an opinion I am grateful for any pointers/ideas so I am perhaps a little more knowledgeable of the possibilities.
Cheers

Hello StevePD,
recently I changed the joints of the camshaft cover and took some pictures. Perhaps they help you to find the origin of your noise.
The pictures are here:
https://plus.google.com/photos/111725843614494995662/albums/5925358191389847313?banner=pwa
Good luck and regards from Spain

Hi Alcaria,
Many thanks for the picture link, every little helps.
Cheers
Stev e D

Maybe you could post a video on YouTube, and link it to here, so someone with a good ear might be able to identify the sound.

Failed variators usually make it sound a little like a Diesel engine.

Hi all,
thanks for the replies. DTR bless them have listened to the noise for me and It is not the variator but suspect big ends knocking so the poor girl is going into the workshop for investigation. I will let you know what the result is but it may take some time. Thanks all.
Steve D

Ouch! Good luck with that. I hope you have a good engine man locally.

I am aware of a crank re-grinding service in Auch (32), a fair bit south of you, but if you need the details get in touch.

Hi Crachat an
d thanks for the info. May be some time before things happen what with christmas an all.
Cheers

Have another look at the ignition, just in case. I had similar problems with a moped and the knocking noise disappeared after I just happened to change the ignition (the condensator was the culprit). Some year later a friend had a Citroen 2CV which also had a knocking noise that was "recognised" by many as a typical big end sound. In that case, it was again a condensator problem (bad contact). So it's worth to check the ignition.

Hi, Yes worth a look thanks. Will post probably after xmas now as getting busy.
Merry Christmas to all on the forum. Cheers everyone

Hi everyone,
DTR came to the rescue and diagnosed the engine with big ends gone. When they dismantled the engine they replaced the crankshaft and one connecting rod and bottom end bearings. The thrush washers had been assembled back to front at the factory. They said that they had seen a few like this. The oil pump was replaced as it was also damaged by some debris in the oil. I must say that the service and professional way DTR treat customers is the best I have seen. I unreservedly recommend DTR.
Running in the repaired engine now 800Km done so far.

Good to hear, hope all goes well.

Excellent news... all we need now is some decent weather!