Seat Leon 1.6 Diesel knocking noise from engine

A customer recently booked their 04 plate Seat Leon in because it had a severe knocking noise from the engine. The Seat was a 1.6 diesel PD (Pumpe Duse) type engine.

The knocking noise sounded like diesel knock just as if the pump timing was out. This engine is a common rail engine so fuel pump timing was not a factor in this instance. Having now completed all the basic checks a compression test of individual cylinders was carried out.

The decision was made to remove the cam cover and closely inspect the camshaft and followers. With cam cover removed and with the camshaft rotated in a certain position a small black circle could be seen beneath the cam lobe in the centre of one of the followers.

It was decided that we should remove the camshaft completely to confirm that this was indeed the fault. In doing so the problem was clear to see, one of the follows had completely worn away.

When speaking to the customer it was established that they had not been using the correct PD oil. This only goes to prove the importance of carrying out the recommended oil change when due with the correct oil type and grade.

Contact Pentagon Motorist Centre when you vehicles next service is due on 01634 405757