[Makie43]

I posted an inquiry about a week ago about my sierra motor sounding like a diesel. The rattle is only when the motor is under load, so I guess it's a big end or something like that. I intend to keep driving it but in the mean time I will have to look for something to replace it, and being a pensioner this makes it a low budget affair(Very low in fact). I looked on ebay and there was a Holden Barina motor (Not there now) but it stated that the Holden east west motor will fit a Sierra using the Sierra manifold and sump cover and moving the engine mounts to a position that the holes were already there for!!!! Is this true??? I just figured that finding a reasonable Barina motor might be easier and cheaper than trying to find a Suzuki one if it will fit.

[Scrawny]

What sort of a rattle does the old one have? Is it a deep sound or more of a light pitch rattle? It could just be the timing?

[Rockhopper]

Yes a Barina motor can be made to fit. I've never done it myself, but can't see it being too big an issue. You'll probably need to change the sump and the oil pickup, the manifolds, and the distributor drive. Other than that, it should drop straight in.

[Warlock]

As ScrawnC says, if it is more a rattle that comes in under load you could be luck as it could be engine 'pinking'.
Cause for this is typically ignition to far advanced coupled with poor/low octane rating fuel.

Has anyone messed with the timing recently?
Check to see your distributor hasnt been left loose.

IF I thought it could be pinking, before I investigated further (and went to any expense) I would add some of the high octane fuel additive to the tank (or fill with premium).
Then if that didnt fix it I would mark the distributor position (scrape the metal or mark with a marker pen or something to mark current timing position) then loosen and rotate the distributor a little, tighten and try start the engine again. (move only a mm at at a time, first in one direction for a while and then in the other (I guess if it is pre-ignition (pinking) you will get better result by rotating clockwise).

(I tend to roatate the distributor whilst the engine is running, but as there is risk of shock from HT leads or even a cracked dist cap, I reckon if you are new to this proceedure that you do it the safe but slower way. Stop the car make your change then start the car.

Good luck mate
G.

[Warlock]

Oh yeah..
If it does come to it and you decide to do and engine replacement you should be able to find a reasonable Sierra engine cheap on the forum.

I bought a good 1.3 Sierra Engine for $200 recently, so if you can keep a look out you will find them (im sure some of the guys will have got engines even cheaper).
Putting it in..however unless you do it yourself will be more costly.