Need some help from the experts to identify this ticking on a '16 LR4

[q5sys]

Hey all,

I'm thinking of buying a friends 2016 LR4 with ~86K on it. I've spent some time doing reading up on the forum and digging around online to figure out what the things to check before buying an LR4... and I need to rely on the experts here to help me figure out if what I'm hearing is anything to worry about. I've checked a bunch of threads, but I cant seem to one with a video with a similar sound, so I figured I'd just christen my account with reaching out for some input.

I know timing chains are an issue on LR4s, and obviously I'm hoping its not the case with this one. This is a 2016, so its got the later design, and I've seen the service records for the car, so I know the oil on this one has been changed every 5-7 k since it was new. It's gotten all the appropriate factory service and its already have a cooling system service and component replacement at about 75K.

But since I'm not familiar with how these 3L engines sound, I'd like some input on this ticking. This sound is pretty much constant, whether its hot or cold. My 2011 GLK has a similar sound (sometimes almost sounds like a diesel), but that's normal for the M272 engine. However, if I heard this sound coming from one of my VWs, I'd be concerned.

Sound:

This wont be my first go-round with a Rover, I had a 91 defender back in the mid 2000s, but sold it to a friend, and I've been itching for another Rover ever since.

 

[f1racer328]

I have the V8 but it sounds like noisy fuel injectors. I'm sure someone else can chime in.

If the timing chain is bad you'll really only hear it slap on startup, but being a 2016 and having 86k miles on it I'm sure it's fine.

 

[itsaguything]

HPFP is "tickety".

 

[bdd123]

Do you mind not being his friend in the future?

 

[powershift]

If you do it right you'd take it to get a PDI so they can look the whole truck over. You could get ripped pretty hard if you aren't careful because parts and labor are expensive.

Aside from that mine is the V8 and has no such ticking. Its the same block and such, with 2 more jugs and no blower. It smooth as buttah and pulls pretty strong at WOT all the way to redline.

 

[TimVZ]

Edited:

nvm - I'm no expert and that is what you asked for and the forum wouldn't let me delete the post.

 

[q5sys]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I have the V8 but it sounds like noisy fuel injectors. I'm sure someone else can chime in.

If the timing chain is bad you'll really only hear it slap on startup, but being a 2016 and having 86k miles on it I'm sure it's fine.

On my VWs, when the chains are bad you can hear it when the engine revs, sounds kinda like tin can with BBs in it. This is the same rhythmic ticking at a faster pace, it doesn't ever sound like the frequency changes. It sounds similar to the injectors on my GLK, but having not had a Petrol Rover before I wasnt sure what they sound like on this engine.

HPFP is "tickety".

Hmm, thanks for the input, I'll search around to see if I can find threads with audio that I can compare to.

Do you mind not being his friend in the future?

haha, we've known each other for a long time, and I know he wouldn't intentionally screw me over. Sometimes, life throws unexpected curveballs though, a couple years ago I help him rebuild the engine in his Jetta, so if this goes sideways, I'll ask for a return favor. lol

If you do it right you'd take it to get a PDI so they can look the whole truck over. You could get ripped pretty hard if you aren't careful because parts and labor are expensive.

Aside from that mine is the V8 and has no such ticking. Its the same block and such, with 2 more jugs and no blower. It smooth as buttah and pulls pretty strong at WOT all the way to redline.

It went through MD Inspection without an issue. Overall the vehicle drives well. Pulls smoothly, no kinks or fades in the power delivery, slight belt squeel when you go from WOT to idle that goes away after about 30 seconds. I figure new belts and tensioners would resolve that.

I had the mechanic that works on my Benz give it a look over. He said other than needing new tie rod ends in the near future and an alignment at the same time it looked good to him. He's worked on rovers before but he's not a Rover expert. He heard the same sound I heard but didn't think much of it, as I said it sounds like the injectors in my GLK, so he probably assumed it was those. I live about 2h away from civilization, closest LR dealership is about 2.5h away, and I dont know of any specific Rover Mechanics in the Western MD, Northern WV, South-Western PA region. I've looked but haven't found one yet.

That's why I figured I'd post here, you guys have way more experience with these engines than me or my mechanic does.

 

[txfromwi]

I have the same type of sounds on my 2 V6's. I am not concerned with mine - but they are not as pronounced as yours.
But I would not not be concerned about yours either - but I am no expert....
Sounds like fuel injectors.

Just a note of advice on replacing fuel injectors - I replaced mine on the 2002 Nissan and I cheaped out buying less expensive ones - needed to replace 2 of the 6 within a couple of months.
IF you do the injectors on your Rover, I would only go with OEM.

As far are reliable dealers in your general area - I know it's a full day away, but we have had excellent results from the Rover dealership in Rochester, NY.

At 86K miles I would be immediately giving the attention to "The Crossover Project"

 

[jlglr4]

Generally sounds like my engine as well. The one other noise that pops up on the supercharged engine is the supercharger coupler (aka isolator). It’s a spring loaded coupler that tends to fail and can cause a rattle. Usually not an urgent issue, but it’s an easy fix while doing the coolant crossovers (which is a must-do if it hasn’t already been done).

 

[txfromwi]

Agreed about the SC coupler. I changed mine at about 45K miles - already signs of wear on the shaft from coupler failure - not of concern at that time - glad I caught it.