230ce clunking from top end?

[shaunk_22]

Just today I went out in the car and the engine was clunking quite loud, loud enough to hear it clearly in the cabin. It sounds like the topend. I had a look earlier and the 1st cylinder ht lead was loose on the spark plug, so I took it out checked it wasn't broken or anything, checked the rest of them, checked the spark plugs, all fine. It then went quieter, but soon enough began clunking again. The car has done 175,000 miles, its the 2.3 16v, has not long ago had all the fluids done and sparks, dizzy, leads etc so shouldn't be any those causing it. It doesn't use alot of oil, and theres not a lack in power. Any ideas? Any mechanical advice regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kth286]

I do not know what a 16 valve 2.3 car is.

You also say ce body style.

If it is a late 80s or early 90s coupe it will not be 16 valve, but 8 valve.

Unless it is a later 90s 2.2 with 16 valve.

It needs to be clear as they are quite different power units with different fuel and ignition management systems.

 

[V12]

Those cossies do have lifter issues iirc. I sold my cossie some 8 years ago. Take it to someone who really knows them well.

 

[shaunk_22]

Year: 1991
Gearbox: 4 speed automatic
W124 230CE 2 door coupe
Clunking goes away once driven past 30mph, and doesn't seem to affect power or driveability.

 

[grober]

Its got an 8 valve head. It might be the engine/gearbox mounts . Rough guide is the deeper the sound the heavier the object involved. Is the clunking frequency related to engine RPM? You can try to localise it by raising the bonnet and using a long screw driver or stethoscope held to the ear- care! avoid any HT leads or fan belt etc.
ps What,s the oil pressure saying at idle and say 2,500 rpm

 

[shaunk_22]

It is a deep metallic clunking noise that sounds like its coming from the head. Yes grober the clunking matches the engines RPM. Also noticed that it does it for 5-10 seconds then dissappears for a second then comes back gradually louder over another 5-10 seconds then dissapears, and it keeps doing that. Also at idle it shakes the entire car. Just checked the oil pressure at idle it is just above the 2, 2 and a quarter I would say, and at 2500 RPM it stays on the 3.

 

[grober]

Top end possibilities are normally all related to valve gear. Stuck Tappets are normally a rattle. Timing gear noises are usually the tensioner related or the chain guides- they can break up. I guess the next thing is to remove the cam cover and have a look at the valve gear? As an afterthought have you checked how tight the crank pulley is

 

[kth286]

perhaps it's the poly belt tensioner damper gone, and allowing the belt
to flap. Look at front belt assembly with torch and see if anything flapping there.

Any work done on car recently ?

 

[shaunk_22]

grober: I've had a look around the forums and it seems to me like the most related problem is the tappets. I shall have a closer look at the weekend though if it isn't chucking it down. I noticed your in Perth, any chance I could meet you and you can have a listen, see what you think? Im always in perth you see, mates got a shop up by the big asda.
kth286: Nah, theres no flapping mate, everythings tight. Only had the car 22 days and haven't had the time to have an indepth look yet, but the guy I bought it from had done the filters, oils, alternator, battery, and put a years MOT on it just days before I bought it.