rattling 2 litre engine

[lennorthall@btinternet.co]

Hello folks, I have just bought a convertible with a superb body but the engine rattles like a bag of nails. I seem to remember that these engines were never quiet but I think it needs some attention.
Can the sump be removed with the engine in situ?
It sounds like worn pistons/small ends so it will have to come apart.
Thanks

[jclay (RIP 2018)]

Where is the noise coming from? It could be the fan coupling or the timing chain. Or the tappets.

Have fun, drive fast & safe, be kewl,

jclay

[lennorthall@btinternet.co]

Pretty sure its pistons, reasonably quiet at constant speed but blip throttle and sounds like a diesel. I didn't think of the fan coupling, will try that tomorrow.
However, assuming the worst, is it possible to remove the sump with engine in situ?
Thanks

[Nightrunner]

A stethescope might help you narrow it down. In a pinch use a broom stick held to your ear and touch the end to various bits of the engine. The throttle induced rattle leads me to think wrist pins and/or rod bearings. Higher pitched rattles tend be valve train and deeper rattles tend to be bottom end. Anyway you'll be amazed at how well you can trace it with a stick or 'scope. FWIW

Scott

[Hasbeen]

I have had the sump off a 4.6L RR V8 in an 8, & I think there is
less room in them, than in the 7. We had to lift the front of the
engine, until it was very close to the firewall at the top back.
Weather this would give you access ro the big end bolts is another
question.

If you support the car, you can lower the subframe quite a long way,
so you should get access that way if necessary.

Hasbeen

[John Clancy]

Probably nothing to do with it but just to be sure please check it's not just a blowing exhaust manifold - that can make these cars sound like a diesel at times.

<center><b>[url="http://www.triumphtr7.com/documents/sales/codenamebullet.asp"]Buy the story of the Triumph TR7/8 on DVD here[/url]</b></center>

[lennorthall@btinternet.co]

Thanks folks. Listened to it again today and it is definiteley a slapping sound from the pistons. It seems that I will have to see if the sump will come down by trying it.
Will keep you all informed.

[bmcecosse]

What's the oil pressure like ? How is removing the sump going to help you - if you think it's pistons ? Maybe wise to pick up another engine - they often go quite cheaply on ebay - and do a swap. Then you can sort out your own engine on the bench and swap back later.

[lennorthall@btinternet.co]

Oil pressure good. I need to remove the sump so the big ends can be disconnected and the pistons removed from the top.
Has anybody done this?

[76Triumphtr7]

According to the triumph service manual you can change both the rod and main bearings in the car. It seems you just unbolt the sump and your i. BUt if I remember right from when I pulled the motor on my 76 there is a motor mount that attaches on the subframe and bolts through the sump and into the block. I cant think of a better way of explaining it but you'll see it when you get under there is in the middle. My car is making a similar sound to yours, Im goign to try and get my valves in spec if that doesn't work I'm looking into the same thing you are. If I do it soon Ill let you know how it goes.

1976 Tr7 Coupe
1980 Tr7 Convertible