Engine problems.

[Preen59]

Check what Gavin said..

But, what sort of knocking? Does it have oil pressure? It could have no oil pressure causing rod noise.. And that's REALLY bad.

When it idles.. Does it idle smooth? Or is it really ill sounding?

[ozgti]

Pulled the head off (again) and found a piece of metal that was beaten into the top of piston 2 crown. Only small, but enough to knock. BUT now, I have a tap tap sound (which is why i swapped heads in the first place!) only happens when on throttle.

Checked the valves and it was fine. All valves open/close the same amount, no noises or anything.

Idle wise- it's sorta smooth, but I'm not sure if it's the cam that is making it idle lumpier or there's something else. Is there an oil passage that could be blocked? When I turned the intermediate shaft, I get a decent spurt of oil from the oil passage between 3/4 cylinder, but nowt at the 1/2 end of the head.

I have oil, oil pressure is about 3.5-4 bar when warm (Audi VDO gauge and sender) but then I get the oil buzzer/light coming on occasionally.

[Preen59]

Doesn't sound good...

Does it knock at idle, or is it ok until you bring the RPM up?

Sounds to me like you have a fooked big end.. Which would also explain oil pressure issues. Is there any particles in the oil? I'd be pulling the pan off and checking your big end bearings if there is.

[ozgti]

I'll take a video of it tomorrow. There's no knocking, just a tapping sound, like a valve on piston sound, but it happened with my old head and with this one.

It's more noticable when on revs, but I think it could be the 4 branch and the leaky exhausts which mask it abit!

[benough]

Can I ask if new cam followers were put into your new head?

[Preen59]

Probably not bottom end, then.

Can I ask if new cam followers were put into your new head?

Good point.. Make sure all your lifters are pumping up (and staying up) mate.

[ozgti]

??? It was a fully reco'd head, cam and valves reseated and stems replaced apparently. When I had TDC, the bucket/tappet.. Whichever it is, could be spun round by hand. Is it supposed to do that when the valve is closed?