EDIT: It's a 2012, not a 2011... derp

My 2012 LR4 HSE (112k miles) developed this ticking/knock/rattle about halfway home on my drive back to KC from Chicago after buying it. It does not sound like the timing chains.

The rattle is quieter when the weather is warmer and gets quieter once the engine has warmed up. The ticking is not present at idle.

I have replaced the fan clutch and the drive belt tensioner and the rattle is still present.

It really only presents itself above idle and not under a decent load. When I’m under load, say 5th gear going up a hill at ~45mph it almost disappears completely getting progressively quieter the more throttle/load I put it under. As I ease off the throttle the ticking returns.

I have a new VVT solenoid to try swapping in but upon inspection with a mechanics stethoscope it doesn't seem to be any of the VVT solenoids. The noise almost seems like it's coming from the rear of the engine. There's some sort of sensor at the rear of the intake that I could kinda hear the ticking with the stethoscope.

I am losing my mind here, any help would be much appreciated.

 

What I hear is a chuffing noise when you hit the gas. I also hear a lot of ticking that these engines all seem to make, but that chuffing noise sounds like an exhaust manifold (which also can cause more of a ticking noise at idle). I’ve seen two reports of the exhaust manifold bolts shearing off, possibly do to worn engine mounts. I’ve also seen one report of worn engine mounts allowing the engine to move enough that the fan to just barely scuff the fan shroud, so another possibility.

 

Yeah I'm gonna do some more poking around to see if the fan might be hitting something or maybe an exhaust leak.

Seems odd it's so dependent on ambient air temperature.

 

Jag forums for the win! Uncovered this thread after exhaustive searching and his XF 5.0 NA is exhibiting nearly the exact problem. I have a used 125k mile intake from a 2013 RRS on the way along with new intake and TB gaskets.

Help!! Strange noise from engine (video) - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

Mechanic stethoscope also points to a variable runner problem since I detected the noise right above where the actuators are.

I am going to be one happy camper if this resolves it, confidence is high.

 

100% timing chains. Message me if you need them replaced.

 

It's definitely not the timing chains in this instance. The sound is coming from the rear of the intake manifold, confirmed with a stethoscope. I am aware of the timing chain slap noise, and this isn't it.

To a normal mechanics ear, it sounds like a stuck tappet, but that's not it either.

I have the replacement intake manifold, it'll be going in next weekend along with a new water pump, oil cooler pipe, thermostat housing, front Y pipe and rear crossover. High confidence the intake fixes the tapping noise, especially since it's identical to the Jag forum post I shared previously.

 

Follow up: It was the variable runners in the intake. The used intake I bought off eBay fixed the knock.

 

Hi, total Land Rover newb here Any advice would be welcome

I bought a '12 LR4 HSE 94k miles immaculate condition EXCEPT THAT, barely a month into ownership the engine has revealed a bad knock.This became much more pronounced once I had the fuel map sensor changed and the oil flushed and changed.
Maybe the knock was there before and was masked with heavy oil but I doubt it. Unknown
It slaps / rattles hard at startup, then settles a bit, but is always present and only worsens / gets louder with higher RPMs
The engine is constantly in limp / restricted performance mode
As a non-mechanic but owner of many cars over the years it sounds like the engine is near death

I'm curious ( somewhat desperate to know if there's a way to fix this short of engine replacement, which would cost almost as much as I bought the car for

Any guidance is very appreciated