What have I done to my engine? Please help me!

[minime1275]

I had to drive my mate to A&E in the early hours of this morning. We went in my recently purchased 1991 325se auto. On the way there I floored it for a few seconds and the auto box kicked down and it accelerated quickly.

However, when I eased off, I was instantly aware of a new clicking/ticking sound coming from the engine . Previously the engine has been running sweet as a nut, with no clicking or ticking.

Now it sounds like an old high-mileage Sierra and the clicking is very noisy with the windows down. It is in time with the engine speed.

What have I done? I only booted it for a few seconds and being an auto, its not like I over-revved it. However, the kick-down was quite abrupt, causing the engine revs to almost instantaneously rise from about 1,500rpm to around 5,000rpm. Could the sudden change in engine speed have broken something inside the engine? Please advise me.

Cheers.

[Ant]

pull the rocker cover off and have a look insode, it wont be the 1st, nor the last M20 to have broken a rocker assy

have a gander and report back M8, its worth a look for peace of mind anyways.....

[MONSPORT42]

It could quite possibly be one of the rockers or one of the retaining clips come dislodged. Something could have weakened and the sudden load made whatever it is give out.. Suggest you try the 'mechanics stethascope - long screwdriver. Place the blade on various parts of the engine/head and put your ear to the handle end and you should be able to locate the rough area.
The other thought is the exhaust manifold. If you've blown a leak even the smallest one, it can sound like you've grown a whole extra set of tappets!
Good luck with the hunting.

[minime1275]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[japcarkiller]

i'd go with the exhaust manifold.They don't last long in the best of times.and it can sound very loud.

[johnono]

if u take the cover off, then u can see for sure it isnt anything in there, but id say a manifold gasket. i hear tickers on a regular basis (mine being one of them) and i know mines a gasket.. just too scared to break manifold studs

[minime1275]

Ok lads, Ive taken onboard your suggestions. To my untrained ear, it sounds like tappets, but Im not very mechanically minded. A local mechanic is gonna have a look under the rocker box cover for me tomorrow.

Im just hoping its nothing serious cos I really cannot afford this, especially this time of year. This was one of the few cars ive ever bought and thought "this one's for keeps!", so I hope it aint buggered!