They all do that, Sir
Discussion
Hi All,
Went to see a Noble GTO3 yesterday - the first Noble I've seen! - and although I think it will be OK, I have nothing to compare it to as a benchmark and don't know whether some things really are 'normal' (Sir), or whether I should be concerned. I hate being a newbie!
So, I have a few questions - hopefully someone can advise?
The car has a Rousch Exhaust (which must be the rustiest/most stained stainless exhaust I have ever seen!) and uprated Fuel Pump.
There is quite a loud crackling noise from behind your head when sitting in the passenger seat, which I'm told is the uprated fuel pump. There also seems to be a quite noticeable humming noise that fluctuates in pitch, a bit like having music on too quietly to actually make out what the tune is - at first I thought the radio was on very low.
I have read somewhere (I've been poring over the forum for a few weeks now!) that the crackle may be cavitation and mounting the pump at an angle might fix it, but I didn't get the impression it would be very noticeable? So, does this sound normal?
The car also has (surprise, surprise!) at least one cracked manifold - the front one I think. I don't think that would be responsible for the crackle noise?
As usual, the dealer is saying the manifold can the welded - and I'm saying it needs new ones. I believe that would mean new stainless ones from Noble or aftermarket? I will get a price from Noble, but does anyone have a link/contact re the aftermarket ones? (Alunox?) [Edit - found no for Alunox - 07811 196 727] [Edit - Alunox price is £980 inc vat, plus carriage]
There is also an exhaust leak - described as Turbo Gasket - again, the front one I think.
The air filters have been relocated to the bulkhead, like a 2.5, and there is a recirculating dump valve plumbed in to a Pro Alloy hard pipe kit. You get a nice fluttery sound from the n/s filter as you come off boost, but the o/s one seems to make a honk sound instead?
Overall there are a few noises from the engine area and it sounds quite.... well.... not exactly rough, just.....noisy. It doesn't sound like anything is knocking, and the guys at the specialist where the car is (not the dealer) don't seem concerned. (They will be servicing it and have produced a list of defects). Again, I don't know if they are supposed to sound nice and smooth, or be a lot more raw than I am used to...
The gearchange is also quite noisy, but works fine if a little vague.
There was also some evidence of Hydrocarbons in the coolant, although the system has since been drained and refilled as a new radiator has been fitted and it now tests OK. Do these cars have a tendancy to have head gasket problems? Should I be overly worried?
Sorry for all the questions - there are a few other issues, but these are my main concerns.
All advice gratefully received!
Regards
Graham
Went to see a Noble GTO3 yesterday - the first Noble I've seen! - and although I think it will be OK, I have nothing to compare it to as a benchmark and don't know whether some things really are 'normal' (Sir), or whether I should be concerned. I hate being a newbie!
So, I have a few questions - hopefully someone can advise?
The car has a Rousch Exhaust (which must be the rustiest/most stained stainless exhaust I have ever seen!) and uprated Fuel Pump.
There is quite a loud crackling noise from behind your head when sitting in the passenger seat, which I'm told is the uprated fuel pump. There also seems to be a quite noticeable humming noise that fluctuates in pitch, a bit like having music on too quietly to actually make out what the tune is - at first I thought the radio was on very low.
I have read somewhere (I've been poring over the forum for a few weeks now!) that the crackle may be cavitation and mounting the pump at an angle might fix it, but I didn't get the impression it would be very noticeable? So, does this sound normal?
The car also has (surprise, surprise!) at least one cracked manifold - the front one I think. I don't think that would be responsible for the crackle noise?
As usual, the dealer is saying the manifold can the welded - and I'm saying it needs new ones. I believe that would mean new stainless ones from Noble or aftermarket? I will get a price from Noble, but does anyone have a link/contact re the aftermarket ones? (Alunox?) [Edit - found no for Alunox - 07811 196 727] [Edit - Alunox price is £980 inc vat, plus carriage]
There is also an exhaust leak - described as Turbo Gasket - again, the front one I think.
The air filters have been relocated to the bulkhead, like a 2.5, and there is a recirculating dump valve plumbed in to a Pro Alloy hard pipe kit. You get a nice fluttery sound from the n/s filter as you come off boost, but the o/s one seems to make a honk sound instead?
Overall there are a few noises from the engine area and it sounds quite.... well.... not exactly rough, just.....noisy. It doesn't sound like anything is knocking, and the guys at the specialist where the car is (not the dealer) don't seem concerned. (They will be servicing it and have produced a list of defects). Again, I don't know if they are supposed to sound nice and smooth, or be a lot more raw than I am used to...
The gearchange is also quite noisy, but works fine if a little vague.
There was also some evidence of Hydrocarbons in the coolant, although the system has since been drained and refilled as a new radiator has been fitted and it now tests OK. Do these cars have a tendancy to have head gasket problems? Should I be overly worried?
Sorry for all the questions - there are a few other issues, but these are my main concerns.
All advice gratefully received!
Regards
Graham
Edited by 951 on Wednesday 6th July 11:51
Edited by 951 on Wednesday 6th July 20:13
Bespoke Performance - seemed thoughly nice and knowledgable guys.
http://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/
http://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/
951 said:
Bespoke Performance - seemed thoughly nice and knowledgable guys.
http://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/
http://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/
seriously doubt you will have any problems with bespokeperformance being the specialist.Skippy knows his stuff as he looks after my car as well. Top bunch of guys - always go out of their way to help out.
You can't be in better hands.
fuel pumps whine especially if upgraded to 044, that is hard to cure and not ideal but not a reason to be put off... the crackle is more worrying as I have no idea what you mean, idle, acceleration etc?
A cracked manifold will leak and can cause a tapping or strange noise behind your head so its possible its this... replacement isn't cheap neither is the labour.
Must say its really hard to judge the condition etc of the car from your message... it does sound a bit negative from your post tone so is it cheap and your trying to judge if its going to be a bargain/lemon?
A cracked manifold will leak and can cause a tapping or strange noise behind your head so its possible its this... replacement isn't cheap neither is the labour.
Must say its really hard to judge the condition etc of the car from your message... it does sound a bit negative from your post tone so is it cheap and your trying to judge if its going to be a bargain/lemon?
Don't take our word for it, get it checked, heard alot about this Skip chap and all good, so he is the chap to advise you.
Yes the upgrated pumps do make a noise and it will change note.
Manifolds to be replaced is a MUST, don't repair, you have the number for Leon from Alunox, he will sort you out, very helpful chap.
Yes the upgrated pumps do make a noise and it will change note.
Manifolds to be replaced is a MUST, don't repair, you have the number for Leon from Alunox, he will sort you out, very helpful chap.
Thanks for the advice so far Guys.
Yes, Skip seems great - as do the other guys there - but Bespoke Performance are doing the service etc for the dealer, and I don't feel right about putting him on the spot by quizzing him too hard.
andygtt - I don't mean to sound overly negative about the car - I'm just aware that there is a lot I don't know about these cars and I'm therefore a little wary.
Regards
Graham
Yes, Skip seems great - as do the other guys there - but Bespoke Performance are doing the service etc for the dealer, and I don't feel right about putting him on the spot by quizzing him too hard.
andygtt - I don't mean to sound overly negative about the car - I'm just aware that there is a lot I don't know about these cars and I'm therefore a little wary.
Regards
Graham
951 said:
Bespoke Performance - seemed thoughly nice and knowledgable guys.
http://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/
Bespoke are formally the TVR Centre in Barnet, a Noble Main Agent and where many have had servicing and remedials carried out. I include myself in there too, Skip is very good and will happily go the extra mile if you have any questions about the car. http://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk/
As Adrian says, get things agreed before you part with any cash but if it's being looked after by Skip, I'd certainly not be concerned.
The very reason you've found so many faults is likely because Skip is so very thorough and knowledgeable. If Bespoke do ALL the remedial work on the dealers behalf before you take delivery I wouldn't worry.It sounds like it may be a "sale or return" car?
And don't woryy about badgering Skip for info/answers/opinions,he's a top Guy who loves talking about cars!
And don't woryy about badgering Skip for info/answers/opinions,he's a top Guy who loves talking about cars!
Hello All,
Once again, thanks for the advice!
However, things have moved on somewhat....
I was concerned that the new HC test was only clear because the coolant had only just been flushed when the new radiator was fitted, so asked the dealer to get another one done. This was carried out yesterday afternoon, and unfortunately reverted to positive again.
It now transpires that the car had recently overheated - hence the new radiator - and had possibly been driven for an unknown duration like that.
The dealer has now backed out of the equation and I don't know exactly what the owner is going to do yet. Hopefully he will give Bespoke (who are not involved in the sale - they were simply going to give the car a service for the dealer) the go ahead to take the engine out and fix whatever is required.
However, I'm guessing that there will be a fairly large bill on the way at some point. At least he can put the commission that he would have paid the dealer towards it.....
Depending on how things pan out, I'm still interested in the car and at least I feel able to pester Skippy now!
Regards
Graham
Once again, thanks for the advice!
However, things have moved on somewhat....
I was concerned that the new HC test was only clear because the coolant had only just been flushed when the new radiator was fitted, so asked the dealer to get another one done. This was carried out yesterday afternoon, and unfortunately reverted to positive again.
It now transpires that the car had recently overheated - hence the new radiator - and had possibly been driven for an unknown duration like that.
The dealer has now backed out of the equation and I don't know exactly what the owner is going to do yet. Hopefully he will give Bespoke (who are not involved in the sale - they were simply going to give the car a service for the dealer) the go ahead to take the engine out and fix whatever is required.
However, I'm guessing that there will be a fairly large bill on the way at some point. At least he can put the commission that he would have paid the dealer towards it.....
Depending on how things pan out, I'm still interested in the car and at least I feel able to pester Skippy now!
Regards
Graham
I think you are taking a great approach to buying this car, and you are asking all the right questions, due to your vigilance i am not too worriesd about you buying a lemon, but i understand that due to not having any comparison test drives you need a little advice.
You seem to have caught the head gasket fault, not a big problem if skip is going to be sorting it before purchase, any other problems which may have arisen due to the same will also have to be remedied.
Gearbox sounds normal, they are not one of the best things on the car, they can be a bit resistant until warmed up and even then they are a not the smoothest.
Seen as though you have spotted the manifold before handing over money , demand new or don't buy.
Exhaust gasket, i assume skip advised you thats what it was, so again its no problem as long as sorted before puchase.
There are many things that can rattle and make noise from the engine bay, i have devoted a lot of time to finding and eliminating every one, so if you want to make the time and effort there is no reason that you cant do the same.
The crackling noise, i assume is cavitation from the fuel pump, i would guess the whining noise is also the fuel pump, but the high pitched whine that you refered to as a quiet radio station could be a turbo but i'm sure skip will advise on that also.
I think as long as you are getting the car checked out by a specialist, then anything they do not highlight as an issue could be classed as normal, all depending on the specialist not missing anything of course
You seem to have caught the head gasket fault, not a big problem if skip is going to be sorting it before purchase, any other problems which may have arisen due to the same will also have to be remedied.
Gearbox sounds normal, they are not one of the best things on the car, they can be a bit resistant until warmed up and even then they are a not the smoothest.
Seen as though you have spotted the manifold before handing over money , demand new or don't buy.
Exhaust gasket, i assume skip advised you thats what it was, so again its no problem as long as sorted before puchase.
There are many things that can rattle and make noise from the engine bay, i have devoted a lot of time to finding and eliminating every one, so if you want to make the time and effort there is no reason that you cant do the same.
The crackling noise, i assume is cavitation from the fuel pump, i would guess the whining noise is also the fuel pump, but the high pitched whine that you refered to as a quiet radio station could be a turbo but i'm sure skip will advise on that also.
I think as long as you are getting the car checked out by a specialist, then anything they do not highlight as an issue could be classed as normal, all depending on the specialist not missing anything of course
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