Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Engine Knocking 1.6 Sigma

Good day and I hope this finds everyone well.

A bit of a strange/new one for me. Took the 4/4 out for a short drive and stopped in for a few groceries. Upon starting the car up again, I was greeted with some significant engine knocking as if a cylinder was about to give! Engine was still warm. I quickly shut it down and cycled the ignition a few times and starting it up again the noise was still there but not as bad. I lifted the bonnet with the engine running and the noise indeed was coming from the engine. I gave it a gentle revving up and all was fine.

Drove home, ran like a top. It's never done this before. No check engine light either.

Any hints? It's a 16 reg with just shy of 20,000 kms, always serviced, plugs changed a few years ago etc.

Fingers crossed it was just an anomaly!

I believe the Ford 1.6 engine has solid tappets, otherwise I'd think it was a stuck hydraulic tappet. Has the belt been changed recently?

Ditto, my first thought. Worth checking though. If by chance they are hydraulic tappets it won't have done any harm but may happen again.

Silly question, have you checked the oil level. Finding it just only the end of the dipstick is not good! I had a firms car with that engine in and it used oil.

Thank you all for your input!

The belt was changed approx 3000 miles ago along with the tensioner. If however you meant the timing belt/chain, no, this hasn't yet been changed.

I'll let the engine fully cool and will give the oil level a look over. Truth be told, and perhaps shame on me, I don't often check it as it's never been known to burn any.

Once again, thank you.

My 2016 4/4 with the sigma engine never burnt a drop of oil

If the oil was that low wouldn’t a light come on?

My 2009 Sport didn’t either Craig in 24,000 miles.

The oil pressure switches are so ineffectual that it would have gone bang way before the light comes on

Engine oil level is fine so that's been checked off.

Took the time and gave all I could inspect a once over. Fluids all look good, took the opportunity to give the MAF sensor a clean as I don't think it's ever been touched. Checked the air filter, could use a change. I believe MMC call for MEP3383 but for the life of me can't figure out where to order it! I've exhausted google searches and searches on TM. Am I missing a trick?!

The above wouldn't have caused the the noise but was good to get things checked over.

Fingers crossed this was a one off fluke

Just present your local parts supplier with the old one and he or she will sort you out. The filter not your Sigma ;-)

Could always get a K&N Filter from Wolf

https://www.wolfperformance.co.uk/product/kn-air-filter/