The cab is the new Ford Transit 2.4D 130 Deisel engine with 6 speed box, the problem I have and would appreciate any feedback from other owners is
On a cold engine their is a abnormally very loud diesel knock when accelarating through the gears. The noise does quiten down when up to normal temp but it is really is very loud when cold.
Is there anyone else who has the same Ford engine unit who may be able to advise as to whether this is similiar to theirs or do I have a problem.
Our fleet of works vans are Transits & Transit connects, They are exactly the same, Park the van up & have half an hour dinner, start it up & you have the loud deisel knock for a few seconds. I personaly wouldn't worry to much about it.
Thanks for the reply, I agree when the engine is warm it's very quiet and it goes very well. The torque in the engine pulling such a big motorhome is quite impressive.
Do you use the large garage for Motorsport by any chance?
Don't know much about motorhomes - I'm a car mechanic but the diesel engine is the same I guess either in car or motorhome!
I would say this is due to oil viscocity - when you buy oil it usualy says something like 15W - 40..Well the W means winter - and the lower the number the thicker the oil.
Therefore meaning when the engine is cold the oil is thicker - therefore not lubricating the tappets aswell as when hot.
It's always wise NOT to rev a cold engine - most engine wear occurs within the first minute of engine running as the oil is thick and doesn't circulate around the engine aswell.
The problem to watch out for is if this is happening at all opperating temperatures - as this can suggest badly set valve clearences - look out on the old Fiesta for an annoying ratling noise - this is due to valve clearances and although taking less than about 10 minutes to adjust - it's still a real pain.
So bassically in my expeirience I wouldn't say it's anything to worry about. I guess if your that worried you could get a mechanic to check the valve clearances - but you said it's only doing it while the engine is cold - so it sounds like nothing to worry about.
Also most new engines the valve clearances are automatically adjusted - this is done by oil. When the engine is still and not switched on, the oil drains down into the sump - sometimes it can take a few minutes for these tappets to fill up with oil and create the right size gap.
If it's not valve clearances it will just be the Diesel Ignition timing. When the engine is cold the diesel needs to be injected into the combustion chamber earlier - which would cause that "Knock" which is pre ignition of the diesel in the combustion chambe.
Either way from what you've said I'd say ya have nothing to worry about!