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Engine tap sound...sure it has got worse...MA Unit issue?

5K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  boddle88 
#1 ·
So this is an odd one and I am quite concerned...

At idle, my car has always 'ticked' which I believe is fairly standard for the MA units and the way the valves work (my G did the same) especially when cold

However, I had to go out this afternoon to get some medicine from the pharmacy, which is a 10 mile round trip. What shocked me was that even when driving at low speeds, I am hearing more of that noise in the cabin, and with the window down I could hear it bouncing off parked cars on sort of half-throttle.

Only things of note:
- Car has sat for about 5 days (for obvious reasons), only started twice to move around the drive
- Oil was quite low after a decent trip last month, just above min, so topped up. Currently near enough full. No signs of leaks or any other issues, but reckon I am looking at about 1 litre per 2500 miles.
- I did a strip down of the intake hosing, cleaned oil residue, reoiled air filter and refitted
- Replaced PCV valve (thinking this could have been the cause of my oil consumption issue)
- EC Phase 1 flash about a week and 100 miles ago

Like most of us, I am pretty in tune with the noise the car makes, drive it daily. I am SURE it hasn't been this audible before.

I imagine no one else is getting audible ticking from the engine when driving low speeds? I am sure that used to disappear once on the move...

Am I looking at a possible MA unit failure? What else should I look out for?
 
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#2 ·
Well that was a busy evening of reading just about every thread I could find online...

It appears that failures in Post 2015 units is rare, however do happen. Running with low oil or wrong oil is the big issue. most people reporting that issues manifest as EML, loss of power, rough idle. BUT an early sign can be increase tapping noise, even under acceleration. Its almost like this came on overnight...

SO....have reached out to reasonably local specialist for advice, but of course cannot actually drive anywhere for the immediate future anyway.

Great....!!
 
#3 ·
Hi Boddle......I read your thread then also studied the websites, nearest I came to it was "Tog" thread on the Alfa Forum....read through his thread and comments but was reluctant to come back to you with findings....As you are seeking professional assistance now...Tog was using Shell Ultima it seems and the code included Z2 not S2.....the tapping increased and the MA Unit seems to have been declared deceased.............Hopefully you will not have a terminal unit. I would respectfully suggest.......an engine rebuild specialist with knowledge of this unit "if" it is that...could well split the unit and do the required work at a reasonable cost, otherwise, a Scrapyard will no doubt provide a unit, ebay has supplied various parts for me from two respectable outlets Midlands & Truro. there was an Abarth unit up for grabs recently on ebay. Hope you can sort it Matey, Cheers
ron
 
#4 ·
Thanks Brexit

Yes, I saw that thread. I have however always used either Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 which meets MS12991 OR the dealer used Castrol 5W-40 which meets the S2+C3...so always correct oil through its life.

It's just odd that is coincides with what I see as increased oil consumption. I don't think the EC Phase 1 from a week ago has caused it as there would be more reports and those guys have mad mileage on their tunes. I feel as if its something that may have been developing and has now come out but.

I plan to take it to Autolusso once we are allowed back out the house! I have emailed them for some thoughts.

Happy to spend 1k to get it fixed, its the not knowing/not being able to thats annoying me!
 
#5 ·
WELL.

Started the car just now to put back into garage and - NO NOISE. What the heck? Seems fine.

I did read somewhere that following an oil change and reset of the light, the multiair 'relearns' and can be noisy for some cycles.

Now, I did top up about 500ml of clean oil, but didn't reset anything. Not sure.

Either way, will see how it pans out.
 
#8 ·
WELL.

Started the car just now to put back into garage and - NO NOISE. What the heck? Seems fine.

I did read somewhere that following an oil change and reset of the light, the multiair 'relearns' and can be noisy for some cycles.

Now, I did top up about 500ml of clean oil, but didn't reset anything. Not sure.

Either way, will see how it pans out.
Just a thought......I noticed you use 5w-40 ? okay for hot countries but 5w-30 enough for UK, sadly that info won't affect your problem.....My Spider went off for it's second service (warranty, I need the official stamp) yesterday to local garage where my mate is Foreman, he collected the Spider as I am "Stay at Home" and brought it home end of working day, he loved the drive and Mods, he also did the oil change using my Fiat filter & Mobil 1 5w-30 (complies to everything), he commented on how smooth the engine sounded and he thought the Good-Win exhaust burble was The Dogs............nothing said about any re learning noisy cycles though.........
Sadly the using oil, tapping noises still is worrying me, so God knows how you must be feeling, lets hope Autolusso (sounds very relevant ) can pinpoint the problem, if there is one...it may still be something silly, lets hope so, eh!
Cheers
ron
 
#6 ·
Really trying to be helpful here and not insulting, but have you checked for a small rock stuck in a tire?
I only ask because it sounded like the noise was most significant when on the move. and your description of hearing the noise bounce off parked cars reminded me of when I had a small rock stuck in a tire tread.
Yes, these engines do tick a bit when cold and less so when warm but what you described when moving seems like it might be a bit different.
Best of luck regardless,
 
#7 ·
I like the theory! However, the noise was also when revving stationary! As revs built it increased.

Agree always some noise when cold, but this was certainly louder. Will see how it goes on subsequent starts.

Thanks
 
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