Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Rattly noise from behind engine

Hi Folks,

After a few trips to good old BHM already and the first service carried out 300 miles ago, I now have a rattling noise that is getting slowly worse and seems to be coming from behind the engine, perhaps in the damper box (but perhaps not). Car has now done 1180 miles. It sounds a bit like a loose timing chain, or valvegear noise, but it's not from the engine itself, which sounds and seems absolutely fine.

The gearbox, clutch etc. also seem fine, and the car is still driving ok. Sometimes the noise seems to fade away into the background but I think I'm just kidding myself. The noise was not there a few hundred miles ago. It doesn't change with dipped clutch, gears engaged etc.

It's not bad yet, but does spoil the enjoyment of the car. Just wondering if anyone has had anything similar, and if there's any advice. I know there were some problems with the damper early on - does anyone know what the symptoms were?

I've placed a call to BHM and await their call back. Any ideas gratefully accepted, and of course I'll keep you all informed.

Is your car fitted with a cat. The one in my beetle makes a funny old noise until it warms through, I suspect something is a bit loose

Sounds like it could possibly the start of the compensator begining to fail

Gents, Volts ok (the engine itself is absolutely fine in all respects).

It's not the cats either.

Thanks, Chunky4. What is the compensator - is it the rubber doughnut that smoothes the drive to the gearbox to lessen the torque spikes?

deleted. Did not see that it is 3wheeler ...



Andy

Wiscos.....it's a bit more complex than a rubber doughnut which would probably tear itself apart over time. This is a photo of it in bits



The blue "grease" fills the void of the compensator and I believe takes on some of the load. Its not something that Morgan would talk much about...the workings of it that is so I hope they don't mind me posting a photo! . The last time I was at the factory they were about to use some alloy components in it to improve it.

Also behind your engine and infront of the compensator is the alternator which may be the source of your rattle.

Can't see any stampings on the bell-housing... Car is on the later chassis though and has the later steering rack...?

I'll call BHM again, but thanks very much. Does indeed sound as though the compensator is the likely culprit.

Rattle is not too bad at present but will only get worse!!

Does this affect many cars?? Is the compensator now 'sorted'?

Hmmm... but if the noise is getting worse that can only point to a premature failure at some point I would have thought! I always dread the "they all do that sir" sort of response.

Will go out for a little run later today and maybe even pop over to BHM (25 miles each way) just to see what they think. I heard their old demonstrator and it rattled pretty badly on one occasion - I think it sounded similar but worse than mine. I know they will be as honest as they can be with their prognosis.

Glad to see it seems rare, but many cars have hardly been used and mine at almost 1200 miles is probably one of the most used!

Ok, I guess/assume you are a Morgan Mechanic, so I assume you know your nuts & bolts (if so where do you hide out?). Could you explain exactly what you mean by 'Stamp on the bell housing'. My compensator was replaced by the factory last year when they did some other work that required its removal. Would I expect to have a 'stamp' now?

Back to Cos's car, I think the comparision been made is the non rattling1000 miles pre service , to the post service noise whihc is getting worse....

You're sure it's not a whining noise from the passenger seat ? My 4/4 sometimes suffers from that....