Thread: Disco Td5 - sudden excessive "clatter" at idle but runs smoothly and no power loss...

Originally Posted by feraldisco

Hi - two days ago I drove from Canberra to Sydney...when I got to Sydney and pulled up, the idle clatter had become very loud. The dipstick had gone from the full to low mark in 300km (but oil light hadn't yet come on) with no unusual oil leaks...just the 'usual' Disco ones I topped up the oil which reduced the clatter a bit, but still very loud. NRMA patrol reckoned metal-metal contact somewhere deep in motor and it's now at Strathfield Motorserve, but they won't be able to diagnose it until Tuesday....but curious re what others think could be possible causes in the meantime... Apart from the idling clatter, she runs no differently...smooth, no unusual noise when accelerating, no power loss, no temp issues. Depending on what Motorserve have to say, I might arrange a tow to Graeme Coopers for a second opinion...

When you checked the oil had the motor sat for long or did just switch off and check it .
Also 9/10 by the time your oil light comes on its all over
The engine needs to sit for a bit before you get a accurate measurement.
If it was low after sitting a bit id say its fairly terminal damage to the top end and possibly the rest of the motor sorry to say.

The clatter at idle could be your harmonic balancer ... ?

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Originally Posted by rangieman

When you checked the oil had the motor sat for long or did just switch off and check it .
Also 9/10 by the time your oil light comes on its all over
The engine needs to sit for a bit before you get a accurate measurement.
If it was low after sitting a bit id say its fairly terminal damage to the top end and possibly the rest of the motor sorry to say.

Oil was checked after sitting a bit...took about a litre...not sure what might have caused sudden oil consumption, as for the last 10 years it's required hardly any oil between changes.

Just seems strange that engine is smooth and strong when driving if there is some major engine damage...

Originally Posted by Fluids

The clatter at idle could be your harmonic balancer ... ?

Sent by iPhone using two tin cans and Forum Runner

Thanks...would be nice if it was something as simple and cheap as that, and I'll get them to check it (I'm now back in Canberra in a Camry hire car...what a fall from grace!). My understanding is that a harmonic balancer problem is likely to become noticeable as revs rise, whereas mine gets smoother as revs rise...

Originally Posted by Fluids

The clatter at idle could be your harmonic balancer ... ?

Sent by iPhone using two tin cans and Forum Runner

My thoughts exactly. I'd first check out the HB then top up to oil to the level and record mileage then start an oil consumption test. That way you will know exactly how much oil you are consuming per 1000 km.
however you would be wise to drop the remaining oil and check for metal partials.
And don't wait for a second opinion. Get it sent to Graham Cooper first. His reputation is second to none

Originally Posted by feraldisco

Oil was checked after sitting a bit...took about a litre...not sure what might have caused sudden oil consumption, as for the last 10 years it's required hardly any oil between changes.

Just seems strange that engine is smooth and strong when driving if there is some major engine damage...

A litre of oil you should be fine then should be nothing to worry about internally
As has been mentioned check your balancer

I'd be checking the balancer before driving again..... they have been known to die with a bang and go through the radiator or take out various other bits in their way..

Sounds like balancer to me. Mine rattled for ages before I replaced it.

If it is get one of these.

https://rossperformanceparts.com/pro...rmonic-damper/