So...there's a tapping / rattle at the front of the engine, passenger side down by the PS pump (3.5 efi 1988). Long screwdriver stephoscope has removed all the other likely suspects (as has changing and rebuilding various bits...oh well).

It looks like the actual pulley (ETC6408) is making the tapping noise as disconnecting the alternator from it (runs from the double pulley on the PS pump) makes the noise go away. Noise isn't the alternator as that's new. Power steering pump has been rebuilt and stethoscope has that running quietly.

So i can only conclude the pulley centre is fractionally worn or the bolts are stretched. Either way new pulley on the way so we'll see when it all goes back together.

Just thought i'd post to add to the 'annoying rattle' list and hopefully give some poor sod a possible solution.

Be interesting to see if that does cure the issue.

Ratae said:

Be interesting to see if that does cure the issue.

Click to expand...

Well the new pulley would be on the way, but seems to be afflicted by 'in Stock', but not 'in Stock' and not available...time to try again, and again, and again

so now the problem is solved.

and the lesson here children is always look for a more simple solution.

on the mounting doohickey for the PS pump there are two studs. One was missing a nut so the rotating forces and pulls of the alternator made that stud move just enough every revolution of the engine to make a ticking noise
https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com/parts/index/part/id/L3.L3G.L3G04.L3G04150/brand/land-rover/
item 7 on the diagram...

Did the new pulley eventually arrive or did you manage to find the problem & cancel it?

couldn't get new pulley and had a penny drop moment when looking at the exploded diagram and remembered i didn't undo a nut in that position...connected that missing nut may cause vibration and hence the clicking / knocking. And so it turned out.

Now i have to adjust my timing having had the distributor rebuilt properly by the Distributor Doctor!

Just a followup for anyone interested (although should maybe be a new thread) after i adjusted the timing (twisting the distributor etc) after DD refurb i did note a pleasant surprise in fuel consumption. Previously i'd only ever achieved ~17mpg at best. Now i did 85 motorway and B road on Saturday with aircon running and managed just over 20 mpg. So i think a tick in the box for getting everything fettled 'just so' and closer to original spec. I'd never actually though about having the distributor serviced, but may be something for others to consider.

Can definitely recommend DD!