V12V engine rattle

[Lawts0908]

My V12V has a disconcerting engine rattle at about 2800-3000 rpm in 2nd or 3rd gear when on overrun/throttle lift. Quite noticeable whilst driving. The car’s done 9-10k miles. It’s just come back from AM service under warranty and I’ve asked them to specifically investigate the noise, because to me, it sounds very much like tappets or even ends. The car has been returned to me now and apparently the verdict is that this is normal for the engine and has been noted in other DBS’s, V12Vs. The explanation is that it is the sound of air in the inlet manifolds on throttle off.
Although relieved, I still am not 100% convinced.
Anyone else noticed this anomaly??

[macdeb]

Has it always done it or just started. Whatever, it doesn't sound right.

[petesv8v]

Well known trait caused by the inlet manifold design and nothing to worry about- its confined to a narrow rev band circa 3000rpm and is most noted with throttle closed. If it occurs over wider rev range and is not affected by throttle position then you likely do have another issue.

[Lawts0908]

Many thanks Pete, just the confirmation I was looking for. I’m not sure if it has always done it ( as I’ve been so intoxicated by the overall experience, I probably missed it) but I’ve become more aware of it as time’s gone on. The trouble is that now my ear has tuned in on it, I find it hard to ignore, especially as it REALLY does sound like tappets/ends !! I’ll just try to pass that area of the rev range as quickly as possible.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

If it is indeed an inlet design trait, then they must all (or nearly all) do that. In 8 years of ownership I can't remember ever having heard this. Soon as it's back on the road I'll definitely be listening.

[JohnG1]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

If it is indeed an inlet design trait, then they must all (or nearly all) do that. In 8 years of ownership I can't remember ever having heard this. Soon as it's back on the road I'll definitely be listening.

If you drive a DB9 then you have a different inlet manifold design. Look at photos of a DB9 engine bay versus v12v. The inlet runners are shorter in v12v.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

JohnG1 said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

If it is indeed an inlet design trait, then they must all (or nearly all) do that. In 8 years of ownership I can't remember ever having heard this. Soon as it's back on the road I'll definitely be listening.

If you drive a DB9 then you have a different inlet manifold design. Look at photos of a DB9 engine bay versus v12v. The inlet runners are shorter in v12v.

The OP stated that the dealer said V12V and DBS were both affected by this, not just a V12V issue. DB9/S look very similar to me, but in any case I've got a DBS.

[Lawts0908]

Interesting. I’d like to know if your DBS has the same noise (supposed to be identical engines as far as I know)

[DB9VolanteDriver]

I'll not be reporting back for at least a couple months until the weather turns nice. Perhaps others can check as well in the meantime.

[JohnG1]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

JohnG1 said:

DB9VolanteDriver said:

If it is indeed an inlet design trait, then they must all (or nearly all) do that. In 8 years of ownership I can't remember ever having heard this. Soon as it's back on the road I'll definitely be listening.

If you drive a DB9 then you have a different inlet manifold design. Look at photos of a DB9 engine bay versus v12v. The inlet runners are shorter in v12v.

The OP stated that the dealer said V12V and DBS were both affected by this, not just a V12V issue. DB9/S look very similar to me, but in any case I've got a DBS.

Your screen name is a red herring!

DBS and V12V have the same engine.