llessur wrote:

Just thought I would add to this as if you are like me it is often comforting to know we are not imagining these things.
Firstly when you said " the noise gets progressively worse then just goes. Not there constantly but definitely engine. " you are absolutely correct. For me I have had this from new up to the existing 35k. To begin with, I was sure it was a tappety noise but then convinced myself it was like "pinking". The strange thing though is it does not seem in anyway connected with load on the engine and can be that loud you become convinced the engine is knac*ered then in the next instance under an exact repeat of the same conditions, say for the next 30 odd miles the engine is quiet and a pleasure to listen to. In an attempt to cure this I started using 2 stroke at about 1k then switched from standard diesel to premium at 4k, then fitted an egine accoustic blankit at 6k, then at 10k I had an injectors recoded and the learn, then at the service I had ALL oils replaced. At 12k I removed the large(exhaust) and small(sensor) heat shields with subsequent replacement. I suppose at this point I just decided to live with it, on the grounds of "if it blows up - its under warranty" At the biggy service I raised the noise issue and suggested injectors. I was told that injectors are not noisy and that I am just listenning to hard - guess it wont be going back to that dealer. So at 30k I have gone back to supermarket cheap diesel, stopped using 2 stroke and you know what - its exactly the same, but definitely no noisier or louder. I tried cleaning the MAF and MAP sensors one day and the next start up it was as quiet as they can be but the noise only returned the following day. So I cleaned the sensors again but it made no difference second time arround. Whilst I would love to know from someone who truly knows this engine what causes this noise that changes on a daily basis ( engines are far too clver these days ) I have to say it does not bother me so much now and I just drive it warts and all. This was my first new Defender and I think that is what is wrong as my expectations were too high. A three year old rattler with half the components rusty or corroded and with white fur and water injecting into the cabin area means all I bother about is that it keeps running.
Is it for sale - not a chance. We have grown together and bonded. My health lets me down as I get older just like the Defender. Its a sort of symbionic relationship. The wife has said she does not want it when I have gone so they might as well bury me in it.

"The wife has said she does not want it when I have gone so they might as well bury me in it"

This is an interesting point in my house. What is going to happen to my defender when im gone. One of my daughters has put a claim on it, may have to write it into the will. :

Mind you, getting rid of the rattles may be the death of me