Righto, I know this is a bad thing. Engines shouldn't rattle.

Sounds like it's the bottom of the engine, drivers side when I start the car (been happening a short while now, maybe a week, so I've only driven when absolutley neccessary) Once the engine warms it goes away

I've a bad feeling about the big end bearings.

I've heard a rumour that putting a little bit of diff oil into the main engine could be a way to quieten it down for a short spell, to get me to a garage in a bit more safety (ie. to stop a piston coming out of the engine). thinking being the bottom of the engine is the problem, diff oil is very heavy and would cling to it to slightly reduce damage.

I'm not daft enough to try it without a second opinion or two, any ideas?

Which engine is it?

1.4 Active.

Adding anything to the oil like that is an insane idea

Get it towed or picked up and taken to someone who can check it out for you.

What's the service history like?

Not the best service record. Was a cheap runaround for me, and didn't really get looked after in the best manner (I know, my own fault etc.)

As I said before, I had heard it on the grapevine and wanted to get some more ideas on it - wasn't planning doing it unless other foilk had head the same thng.

Lets face it, I need to drain the engine anyhow, was trying to get enough work out of it to get me to the garage and to a few essential meetings in the intervening period. Whatever I do, it's gonna cost big.

If the noise goes when it's warm then it can't be that critical (yet).

Sounds like it's suffering from poor lubrication to me (i.e cheap/worn oil that's not doing a good job when the engine's cold) so I'd treat it to a decent service pronto

It is not just a worn out belt tensioner making strange noises is it?

I think it's engine, but am gonna get it looked at tomorrow. Fingers crossed it's not a massive worry, and it'll all go away.

Cheers guys