samtope Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Hi everyone, Bit worried about the series 3 petrol 2 1/4. Just lately she has started to make an alarming clackety noise particularly under load, ie going up a hill or pulling away in 4th etc. It sounds a bit like a ball bearing rattling in a tin can. She has lost some power, got very hot on the way home from work today (steam from rad breather, gurgling noises, smoke from beneath oil filler cap when removed). To start with I thought it might be a loose exhaust bracket, and I was right, so I fixed it but the problem persists despite the exhaust appearing solid now. I also get a whiff of hot/burning oil occasionally as well. As I type this it sounds worse and worse! She is still a runner but has got me worried. What do these clues point to? All help appreciated.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbarton Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Check ignition timing first, it may be too advanced causing pinking, power loss and overheating. Next check that the mixture is correct, to far out either way will cause loss of power and overheating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Has it got enough oil in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samtope Posted April 17, 2010 Author Share Posted April 17, 2010 I just recently topped it right up, checked it today and its definitely using it. Its not leaking though. The timing thing may be a good call as it will start by itself again immediately after its been switched off so I had considered the advance/retard tuning. Thats another thing I sorted not too long ago though. I'll give it attention in these areas tomorrow and hope for the best. Thanks for the replies, I'll post the results as they come.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martifers Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Tappet clearances all ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samtope Posted April 18, 2010 Author Share Posted April 18, 2010 Just an update for anyone that may have been losing sleep over my Landy, she is now fixed and running sweetly. I cleaned up my spark plugs after learning about a thing called 'dieseling' to address my over running problem. They were in good shape, although a bit crusty. I re-adjusted my ignition timing, which although not too far out has definatly helped. I filled it up with water and oil, of there was none. This is not down to my negligence, It is down to a loose jubilee clip in the heater matrix, allowing all my radiator water to escape in the form of steam, causing over heating which is then causing my oil to boil away. (I believe). All of these issues are now addressed, and the test was passed on my local very steep hill. Recently I have been dropping into 2nd half way up but now we clear it easily in 3rd all the way, so the power is back. Thanks for the helpful suggestions, tappet clearance is something I will also get around too at some point, although right now she is running well enough for me not to want to rock the boat. This morning has already cost me a hurt elbow and an electric shock, so I try to leave her alone where I can.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbarton Posted April 18, 2010 Share Posted April 18, 2010 Thanks for letting us know, it usually takes more than one fault to cause the 2-1/4 lump problems! ......... This morning has already cost me a hurt elbow and an electric shock, so I try to leave her alone where I can.. That's its way of telling you not to meddle any more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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