Rattling cold diesel

[wiseman]

Since the manual says never rush a cold turbo engine (4JB1T), I normally run the engine for about 2 minutes before taking off. The few occasions I haven't, I have noticed that the engine sounds like a tractor engine (with a rattling tappety like noise) which fades all of a sudden with the rising temp gauge. The same noise occurs if the top wire connected to the thermostat housing (not the one to the heat sender) is disconnected. The noise is similar to that of the non turbo 2.5 diesel Isuzu availabe here in South Africa. Any ideas out of interest?

[James W]

I believe the timming is adjusted in this period. More advanced? I'm not sure. But this is normal and usually only happens on cold mornings. 5 Deg or less? So yes it should not be pushed while it's doing this

[wayne]

A diesel mechanic I chatted to said the rattle sound is common in the 2.8 and is caused by a fault in the cold motor timing advance solenoid.

W.

[geeves]

This would be normal in cold weather Mine does it on frosty mornings for around 2 -3 minuites but I wouldnt of expected those conditions in South Africa. There is a sensor on the thermostat housing that controls this I think it is the left one looking at the front of the motor It might need replacement.

[wiseman]

Thanks again, this time of the year it can get frosty in South Africa too, with the glow plug indicator going off after 30 seconds, of which in summer you even forget glow plugs exist. I've had the rattling experience on those days when I have to depart at 5 in the morning.