Just went out today for a tear uyp in my MY98 TypeR, suddenly started to hear a knocking sound - like piston slap. (Sounds like a diesel) - can hear it a bit in idle, gets quite load up to 1500/2000 rpm and trails off into the rest of the engine noise..
Was fine before the run out - didn't go balistic but running about 80% balls-oot as it where.

Any ideas on what it could be - bearing in mind it does it when it's hot!

Should I get my heart tablets ready ??

Without being an alarmist don't drive it and get it checked asap, you could well have run a big end.

Bob

Yup - I guess so Bob, its off to the garage with it tomorrow - wouldn't mind so much if it hadn't had good oil in it and top servicing.. ah well.. maybe I should build a 2.5 litre now ...

diesel sounds? ouch, big end as bob suggests. Piston slap is a more tinny sound, and should reduce when hot as piston expands.

Had a big end go on a previous car many years ago (on a peugeot - should have bought a scoob :) ). Was described by a passenger as "sounds like there's a small bloke under the bonnet hitting it very quickly with a hammer". Clattery diesel like sounds would also cover it. With my engine the bearing failure also led to a slightly bent crank and conrods - glad it was under warranty at the time. Hope yours is not that serious!

It is that serious - believe me .. anyone want to lend me a few quid ?;)

I have 'a friend' whose car allegedly needs a new big end, which
also sounded very 'crunchy and rattly'.

If it's repaired / replaced how do you know it's not going to happen again or have caused other damage that will appear later ?

Also, what is the cause - is it due to oil starvation and what can be done to stop it happening again ?

dunno flatty - I'll wait and see whats shot or not when the engine is stripped... but you're right about looking for a cause..

Adamm

'My friend' should be able to give you an update on costs incurred (or not) later in the week. Sorry its a bit cryptic at the moment but I believe that a new engine may be involved