E36 Evo - engine part / name - rattle

[spicjt]

Hi,

Could anyone tell me what is the name of the 2 thin metal 'strips' across the middle of the engine are? They run between the 'M Power' engine block and the valves. They are dark black.

As you can guess I am not technically minded!!

I have a small rattle which sounds like a ball bearing loose in these. Can anyone help on what this could be. Its un-noticable with the bonnet closed.

Thanks

[Great Pretender]

Fuel rail?

[spicjt]

Thanks GP - would a rattle possible come from there? it sounds inside

[Great Pretender]

No, it sounds to me like a vanos rattle. Your fuel rail won't 'rattle' as such.

Try a wee search on here and you should find what you're looking for. Alternatively type 'vanos rattle' into Youtube and see if that helps at all.

[spicjt]

no I checked and its doesnt sound anything like a vanos rattle. I uploaded it to youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLZOFKVwuv0

What do you think?

[Great Pretender]

After listening to the vido, I can't hear anything amiss. The S50 in particular sound very 'ticky' but this is purely a function of the injectors doing their thing.

You're right; the vanos is quiet as a mouse.

I say you've got nothing to worry about.

[spicjt]

thanks GP - the ticking I can only describe as a ball bearing rattle, but it sounds right in that 'fuel rail' or the 2 black bars across the top. I was asked if it was timing or cam gears but was told on good advice it is not that. I am stumped! Performance etc is all good?!

[rassi]

Certainly can't hear a ball bearing sound, to me your engine's ticking sounds perfectly normal as per how an S50 engine should sound.

Is the offending sound a recent one, or has it been there since you bought the car?

[spicjt]

yep the video is quite hard to hear, but there is a 'new' sound that is much like a ball bearing type. The car feels fine though? Been told it could be the vanos wearing but it doesnt sound like its at thr front of the engine, but along the black 'strips' / fuel rail.

[dan101smith]

Can't really tell from the video, but check the flexible part of the exhaust manifold for cracks, as that can make a ticking sound.

[madras]

Any other ideas on this ticking sound?

[E36GUY]

rassi said:

Certainly can't hear a ball bearing sound, to me your engine's ticking sounds perfectly normal as per how an S50 engine should sound.

Likewise. Sounds perfectly normal to me.