My dad always told me, "Look at the simple things first, before jumping to the wrong (expensive) conclusion...."

I suppose I've always been a pessimist, you know "oh dear, oh my, woe is me" etc etc, my dad forever the optimist.

Took my beloved Vanden Plas for a drive this morning, don't know why, just thought I would, finding myself more and more inclined to drive it for no apparant reason, just for the enjoyment of driving her.

I started the engine, and was met by a rather rhythmic but also disturbing "clack-clack" noise, how would I desribe this noise? Well, do all you 30-something plus people remember the old Thwaittes dumpers on building sites in the 70s, small things, rear wheel steer, started with a crank handle? the exposed (to the elements!) driver would bounce amusingly along on these things as they made a rather loud "clack-clack-clack" noise

Well my noise was a more subtle version of that

I made my way indoors, and my pessimistic head came on, visions of knackered valve gear, camshaft, valves, pistons, con-rods, piston slap oh my god stop me......

Before I ordered a new recon engine from Rimmers, I thought I would go and have a look

Nothing untoward at first,

Then I noticed a tab on one of the exhaust manifold securing nuts was not folded over the nut, I reached down, it was barely finger tight

Spanner in hand I tightened it, bent the lug over and checked all the others

Started engine....as smooth and quiet as I remember

There's £2,000 well saved I think

Thanks Dad....

Jay

Thats a common and well known problem in classic range rovers that the exhaust manifold bolts/nuts come loose and you start hearing that clapping sound.

I'm like you, jump in feet first expecting the worst!
My dad was like yours, look for the problem, starting with the basic cheap stuff first