Hi everyone, wondering if anyone could suggest what the problem might be? I thought tappets at first but the sound has got a lot worse, pretty much sounds like a box of spanners rattling round in the engine, an a tapping noise?
Any suggestions what this could be?

 

Hmmm. Did you check if all the spanners are still in your box?


Sorry, I couldn't resist the low hanging fruit again.

Our Ford Contour made a horrible noise when a bolt for a timing belt pulley broke off. I opened a cover and I saw the belt jumping irregularly.
Also check all the accessories and use a length of garden hose to track down where exactly the noise is coming from.

 

rod bearings likely, just replaced an engine due to this noise. Is it lower end or does it seem like noise is by intake too.