Rattly engine

Cantab.

I've got a '94 carina E. Tank of a car! There's been a bit of a rattle from the engine for a while now (i.e. at least a year). It's not loud, just high-pitched, persistant rattle. Does the timing belt need to be replaced or something? She's quite low mileage and has never been "rallied" in her time.

Any ideas would be most appreciated...

JHMEG

In fairness from that description it could be anything. You'll need to look for yourself and identify *where* in the engine bay the rattle is coming from.

mike65

JHMEG - kill that fupping sig! It breaks all the rulz.

As for your rattle, is it constant? worse when cold engine? Does it vary at all when driving along ie going round a bend quickly or driving over rough surface?

It could be anything form a slightly loose heat shield by the exhaust to a worn steering component or a tired water pump (though the latter is unlikely it would proberly have failed by now).

Mike.

colm_mcm

I was gonna say inlet manifold

crosstownk

Do these cars have a timing chain?

If it's big mileage it could be worn tappets.

colm_mcm

nope, belt.

Captain Slow IRL

could be valve clearance - eoes it have mechanical or hydraulic tappets?
also, check your oil level - you might need a top up