Engine failure or rattle?

[RubixRonnie]

Hi everyone,

I'm coming to you I a state of slight worry.
Went to top my oil up and it was very low, topped it up and it took about 2.5litres.
Since then the engine has started making a ticking noise, I've done some reading on this and fear the worst, however....It's only happening when I feather the throttle very slightly. Anything more than that and it stops, no loss of power in any gear.
Has anyone had this before? Is it th start of engine failure or should I be looking elsewhere?

Cheers
Danny

[Carolyn]

I'm afraid I have nothing good to tell you.  My experience with problem engines tells me:

It does sound like symptoms of a spun bearing.  Typically it will rattle at around 2500 rpm.  Once the oil gets low enough, the oil scoop gets uncovered (especially in right-hand bends) and sucks air.  It only takes a moment for a bearing to nip up.

The only way to know for sure, is to take the sump off and check the bearings.  The fact that the oil was so low indicates problems with the oil control rings.

It's probably time for a rebuild.

[RubixRonnie]

Thanks for coming back to me so quickly.
Is the case for a full engine rebuild then or can I get away with replacing certain parts?

[Carolyn]

Thanks for coming back to me so quickly.
Is the case for a full engine rebuild then or can I get away with replacing certain parts?

That really can't be known until it's opened up.  More often than not, it's new piston rings and bearing shells, a good honing of the bores, a couple of new seals and gaskets, new head bolts and a few parts that might as well be replaced while it's out of the car, such as the thermostat and water pump.

[1979scotte]

2.5L wow isn't total capacity only 3.7L?
I'm sorry for your loss.

[RubixRonnie]

Thanks again, I'll get it to a garage I use and know their way around a 2 and see what they say.
Properly gutted right now!

[Call the midlife!]

When mine was making a similar noise it was chain related but also from a lack of oil/oil pressure. The chain tensioner works off oul pressure and had let the chain go slack enough to "tick" on rundown but had also ripped a chunk off the chain guide that's formed on the oil pump casing.
Either way there's only one way to find out so fingers crossed for you.

[RubixRonnie]

Just a quick update.
Unfortunately my lovely (Twice owned) 2 is no more. Engines gone.
Absolutely gutted. But drowned my sorrows by buying a lovely 330d M Sport Touring Auto.
Needless to say if anyone's going to break my little 2 for parts its me, so I'll be lovingly dismantling her and selling her bits to hopefully some of you lovely lot.
You've helped me immensely over the years and who's to say I won#t own another in the future.
Happy motoring and I'll see you in the breakers chat!

[1979scotte]

Just a quick update.
Unfortunately my lovely (Twice owned) 2 is no more. Engines gone.
Absolutely gutted. But drowned my sorrows by buying a lovely 330d M Sport Touring Auto.
Needless to say if anyone's going to break my little 2 for parts its me, so I'll be lovingly dismantling her and selling her bits to hopefully some of you lovely lot.
You've helped me immensely over the years and who's to say I won#t own another in the future.
Happy motoring and I'll see you in the breakers chat!

Was another engine out of the question then?
Or were there other issues ?

[Chilli Girl]

It's a shame some of your smaller bits couldn't be donated to the Club? - I'm sure @Carolyn wouldn't say no for our "Roadster Rescue" parts bin. Anything to help keep our 2's alive surely is a bonus.  Just sayin'

[J88TEO]

Dismantling and selling parts just because of engine failure - I call that sacrilege!
Surely someone can rescue this one.

[shnazzle]

Dismantling and selling parts just because of engine failure - I call that sacrilege!
Surely someone can rescue this one.

Buying the whole shell is always an option.