Good Morning Folks!

I have been sctratching my head for weeks now! Managed to pick up a 2007 Range Rover Sport 2.7 TDV6 HSE some time ago with the intention of salvage purposes. The Sport is a very clean vehicle although the miles are as high as the depleteing ozone! Currently sitting at 180,000!

I will now refer to a brief summary regarding the issues I am experiencing. I am not a mechanic although I have a degree of the understanding regarding mechanics, I run my own business specialising in Vehicle A/C Servicing & Repair.

Anyway, I will move on.

On testing the Sport and the Engine Components etc it was identified that the Turbo was not the only issue as it was clearly apparent that the car had been overheated due to a split in the Coolant hose (EGR Valve over Power Steering Pump).

The engine had been flooded with not only Coolant but also Diesel. I managed to strip the Engine back with Body on (Absolute pain in the ...say no more)!

The strip down and replacement had begun. Head Gaskets replaced, Remanufactured Fuel Pump, Oil Pump,
Generator, Water Pump, all 3 belts replaced and the list goes on! A couple of injectors were also replaced as showing defective on SDD.

Once all done the Engine fired up! You can imagine my surprise and elation! I thought what a result!!!

The Sport has only had another 1,000 miles on it since been in use without issue although I am now experiencing further issue. The Engine is showing signs of Knocking/Ticking.

I have run a stethoscope around the engine bay top end and bottom end which as you will appreciate drawn no conclusion however utilising my very untrained ear the knocking/tapping is definitely originating from Cylinder 6 Injector which is loud and completely in tune with the knock/tap.

I have removed the Injector and placed a extended screw driver down to the piston turning the Crankshaft until the Piston is fully up and just beginning its descent. I have applied pressure to the Piston to identify if there is any movement whatsoever in the return downwards fall within the Cylinder which there is not. I marked very precisely with a dab of Tipex.

I am noticing a slight degree over the normal of Grey/Black Smoke on start up with poor idling for a half a minute or so which then apart from the Knocking/Tapping soon goes away and no running issues performance wise. The Sport feels smooth and pulls well on acceleration.

The Knocking/Tapping does tend to disappear when cruising at higher RPM with no signs of smoke at the rear.

The Sport is displaying no DTC on SDD nor Launch Scanner other than when I pull the number 6 Injector which readily cancels on demand to do so.

What is clear is that when Injector Cylinder 6 is pulled the Knocking/ Tapping does reduce and appears almost non existing although obviously idles erratically.

Before I begin the enjoyable task of engine removal once again I would truly appreciate any thoughts, ideas etc. I am too knee deep in this motor now...Its become a bit of a Marmite Moment for me now!

Last edited by DCM51 on Sat Oct 05 2019 7:07pm. Edited 3 times in total

Wonder if you have a worn big end, possibly as a result of the overfueleing, diluting the oil somewhat..

Hey up Mikey!

Definitely appears to be no play in Cylinder number 6 with pressure applied when tested as previously mentioned.

With the Stethoscope or large Screwdriver placed on the Injector (Cylinder 6) the tapping/knocking is definitely pronounced!

I have run the Stethoscope around the bottom end but certainly does not scream out the issue is there?

The knocking/tapping appears to be confined to Cylinder head upwards?

Would a worn Big end virtually go silent on increase of RPM? At 70 I am unable to hear anything? Silent, no vibration and runs a treat!

Something else I noticed on a run recently. The all fuel display menu which I take is, combined? Reading 44-48 MPG?! I know! Don't ask me???

I will try and get a video of the knocking/tapping uploaded.

Hopefully...all will hear the racket!!!! 🙄😖



It actually sounds a lot worse on the video as amplified due to camera proximity from engine bay and the fan going.

Enjoy! 👌

they say with these injectors (being piezo), you shouldn't unplug them with it running, as they can stick open

is the chain and tensioner in the head ok ?

if you want to inspect the shells you can do so by removing the sump.
You also need to remove:

The plastic fan cowl
aux belt tensioner and mount & belt
starter
dip stick tube (only remove a few inches upwards)
turbo drain

you need to disconnect the small steering rack pipes

The upper sump can be slid upwards, past the radiator

Hi Andy,

Many thanks for your imput.

Under the circumstances the removal of the Injector plug at cylinder 6 was necessary to make every attempt to isolate the location of the knock/tap and whether the issue is indeed bottom end trouble before the lot is once again coming out.

I am fortunate enough to have several injectors available of which I have swapped a few times to isolate any injector defect which has proven fruitless. The Knock/Tapping is still present.

On rebuild of the cylinder heads , the Chains and tensioners were both replaced therefore should not be an issue however, the purpose of the video was presented in the hope that somebody within the Forum had experienced similar prior to stripping it down again.

Just to add, I have utilised a bore scope down Cylinder 6 of which there appears to be no damage to the Piston crown etc within view. All looks as it should.

yes, it was useful to locate it to cyl.6

I'm sure others have had that fault.

what is was i don't recall

I think the biggest issue is when we research issues such as these on the internet and the various diagnosis and opinions its very easy to get caught up in hysteria with potentially the worst case scenario!

What I have found on Range Rover/Landrover forums is the wealth of experience and sound advice that serious Land Rover owners offer such as the information offered by you. I will have to have a look when I get 5 regarding removing the Ladder frame situated just below the block as I have lay beneath wondering, how the hell can I get that out!

Its tips from those that have been there before that can at times can make things so much less complicated.

If my understanding is right, you've replaced the injector and ruled that out it's not diesel knock.
It must be internal, big or small end. Possibly a worn cam, although I've never heard of this.
It definitely not going to be a quick and easy fix

Hi Tom,

Injectors have been replaced fella.

I have had this engine out down to the Block, Cylinder Head Gaskets replaced, with Turbo all completed with Body on!

I will not be beaten!

I paid peanuts for what I would consider a very good example cosmetically which is worth more in scrap in its current state but that is not an option.

There is just something about the L320 that tickles my fancy although I did once own the 3.6 which was by far a lot more reliable.

When I think what I have put in to this Sport money wise, I feel it only right to get it right! Cruising a long the Motorway even when the Knock was first noticed at 70 miles an hour everything is silent and encourages me to get this sorted, skinned knuckles and all!

Injector might be OK, how about fuel delivery to it?

Dave

Without doubt you should see this through, I can't see any other way than pulling the engine out.


My guess would be the big or small end bearing has failed, due to poor oil and contamination.

Hi Dave,

On checking fuel delivery and pressures, all that has been identified up to now is that fuel pressure is what I believe within an acceptable Range, approximately 3500 psi upwards.


Would the ECM not detect an issue if there was fault with the mentioned Injector? I have in the past experienced issue with leaking Injectors etc that have always thrown a DTC.


I have scoped the Injector Balance rate on my scanner and viewed the graph of which from what I have researched all appears to be within acceptable limits.

I do have images recorded, I will dig them out and maybe this can be confirmed?

Last edited by DCM51 on Sat Oct 05 2019 6:35pm. Edited 1 time in total

Tom_w_27 wrote:

Without doubt you should see this through, I can't see any other way than pulling the engine out.


My guess would be the big or small end bearing has failed, due to poor oil and contamination.

Too True fella!

I must admit when I started to get much further in to why this Sport was suffering failure was described as being Turbo failure alone? Head Gasket left this engine soaked in Coolant, Fuel you name it! it was in it!

The only bonus at the moment is that I have and continue to learn a lot about this Engine therefore every cloud has a silver lining I suppose. I bet I have saved a penny or two already!