Technical Click from engine compartment

[Swissbob]

Interesting problem (for me anyway ) and hoping someone has come across something similar.

2002 2.8 JTD. I used to notice a regular click coming from the engine compartment every couple of minutes or so, more noticeable when at junctions or lights with the window open. I also think that when it went click there was a slight change in the tone of the engine.

It no longer happens and since it stopped there is excessive black smoke on hills and acceleration. We've put some serious cleaner stuff through it and it's a bit less but still obvious. The engine management light does not come on.

The garage put it on the diagnostics terminal and no error codes at all.

My question is does anyone know what may have been making the click sound? Obviously I suspect that whatever it is may need attention.

Ta in advance for any pointers.

 

[AnthonyH]

The black smoke usually means the engine mixture is wrong and it using too much fuel.

The click has stopped now has it? That could be a relay that is failing.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Clicking and engine note change sounds just like aircon working. This is a loud clickas the pump engages.
Some vehicles has a vacuum pumps for brakes that makes a ticking sound. and there are emissions things that also do this.

Black smoke means excessive fuel being burnt. Or lack of air to blend with the fuel and allow burning / good combustion. EGR valves cause this sometimes, my experience is once they play up replacement is the only sensible route,

If the smoke ois a sudden ting I would suspect oygen sensors and air flow issues before injectors, as injector issues deem to creep up not just appear, but this may be obe sticking injector. Have you tried fuel additive Wynns etc?

130,000 is just nicely run in in my book!

 

[Swissbob]

The black smoke usually means the engine mixture is wrong and it using too much fuel.

The click has stopped now has it? That could be a relay that is failing.

Thanks. Yes, no click anymore

Clicking and engine note change sounds just like aircon working. This is a loud clickas the pump engages.
Some vehicles has a vacuum pumps for brakes that makes a ticking sound. and there are emissions things that also do this.

Black smoke means excessive fuel being burnt. Or lack of air to blend with the fuel and allow burning / good combustion. EGR valves cause this sometimes, my experience is once they play up replacement is the only sensible route,

If the smoke ois a sudden ting I would suspect oygen sensors and air flow issues before injectors, as injector issues deem to creep up not just appear, but this may be obe sticking injector. Have you tried fuel additive Wynns etc?

130,000 is just nicely run in in my book!

Thanks, good info . No EGR valve to found. Not sure on O2 sensors but no ECU codes indicating an issue. The garage gave some special additive stuff (€35 ) so waiting to see if it helps .....

 

[Communicator]

I seriously doubt that it would be possible to hear the "click" of an automotive relay operating, while the engine is running, even via an open window.
As suggested by @The Panda Nut, operation of an air conditioning compressor clutch would be more noticeable, and probably would be followed by a slight change in engine note as it picks up the load, although the ECU would act to correct any drop in rpm.

The OP should be aware as to whether or not his vehicle has aircon fitted, and whether it is still functional.

With the 2.8jtd EGR was an option. If fitted the EGR cooler runs across the rear of the engine with a circular valve extending upwards at the RHS. There will also be a mass air flow meter close to the air filter output. An O2 sensor on a 2.8jtd is not somthing of which I am aware.

Perhaps the issue with black smoke is coincidental/ On a 2.8jtd without EGR, fuel injection is controlled by the ECU, and dependant upon the absolute pressure sensor mounted on the inlet manifold. When the EGR option is fitted, then the output from the mass air flow sensor is used to determine fuel injection.

@Swissbob , rather than thanks in advance, please post the resolution of your problem as this may help others. Also while not immediatly essential, as 2002 was a model change year, is the vehicle an x230, or an x244 model? (If not known see VIN which will probably start either ZFA230......., or ZFA244....)

 

[Communicator]

When the engine is emitting black smoke, does it sound uneven? This would probably be the case if an injector was faulty?

 

[Swissbob]

When the engine is emitting black smoke, does it sound uneven? This would probably be the case if an injector was faulty?

No, it sounds and runs ok.

 

[airwave]

No, it sounds and runs ok.

Hmmm , can i just throw a quicky in here . You say a click and the engine note changes , have you considered the cooling fans ? . My own van is an earlier 2.8 idtd , and does exactly the same thing , except without the black smoke !


Only very rarely at low speed can you hear the fans running , but when you do it's often preceded by a click , and a very slight change in engine note . I rarely hear it now , as it's being , as they say , logged as normal , but it was strange at first .

 

[Swissbob]

Hmmm , can i just throw a quicky in here . You say a click and the engine note changes , have you considered the cooling fans ? . My own van is an earlier 2.8 idtd , and does exactly the same thing , except without the black smoke !


Only very rarely at low speed can you hear the fans running , but when you do it's often preceded by a click , and a very slight change in engine note . I rarely hear it now , as it's being , as they say , logged as normal , but it was strange at first .

Thanks. Definitely worth a check.

 

[Swissbob]

So two things going on here I think.

First the info on the air con was very useful regarding the click so ignoring for now as we don't use it anyway because it's next to useless in 24 C plus.

Next looking at the turbo waste gate actuator linkage and yep, it has snapped off.

Temporary fix with a bit of wire, going in for a new pin to be welded on next week. No more black smoke.

Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[Communicator]

So two things going on here I think.

First the info on the air con was very useful regarding the click so ignoring for now as we don't use it anyway because it's next to useless in 24 C plus.

Next looking at the turbo waste gate actuator linkage and yep, it has snapped off.

Temporary fix with a bit of wire, going in for a new pin to be welded on next week. No more black smoke.

Thanks everyone for the help.

I am pleased that the problem has been resolved. This is not the first broken turbo link that I have read about.