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TR2/3/3A TR3 Engine Rattle

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C

CaptRoy

Jedi Hopeful
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I have a serious rattle in the engine at about 3000 rpm. Drop below 3000 and the noise stops and I have only taken it to 3500 because I don't like the noise.

It does not sound like a rod or main to me and if it was I think it would knock at a lower RPM. Loose lifters should make noise at low rpm.

Any Ideas as how to track this down?

Thanks
 
Can you tell generally where on the engine the noise is coming from? You can easily disable the generator and water pump and see if that changes things. A failure in either of these can make some interesting noises.

Of course you may find that the rattle only occurs whilst driving, in which case take a look at the boonet prop as this can bang around at certain resonance.

If it is the timing chain you should be able to use a pipe or solid metal shaft (like a long ratchet extension) as a stethoscope (I use a stethoscope) to determine if it is coming fron inside the timing chain cover. Careful of the moving parts around there.
 
I had something like that (it was 20 years ago so I don't remember details like what RPM etc.) and it turned out to be the water pump bearings. I would suggest getting a stethascope or a long screw driver and listening in places. You will be surprized at how well you can localize the noise.
 
I had a mysterious rattle from my TR3 engine 30 years ago and finally figured out it was the middle main bearing that had loosened. How is your oil pressure?
 
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