Something rattling in my head

[pcstan]

I just acquired my 2nd M1123, and after cleaning up the fuel system and starting the engine for the first time I'm hearing a rattling or clunking sound coming from one of the heads.

I'm a competent mechanic but I've never worked on a diesel before. I'm thinking about just hauling it to a shop and throwing money at the problem, but I really don't want to. Should I bite the bullet and start wrenching?

What would you do in this situation? How difficult/easy are these 6.5's to work on?

Thanks in advance!

 

[spankybear]

This maybe the "normal" 6.5 sound. When they run I think I hear a pinging or knocking or clunking noise. If you know anyone in you AO with a 6.5 in your area would listen to it and compare. I have also found that these engines seem to have their own personalty to say. One will be a dog, one will run like a race horse and others like someone just woken up. This is my experience.

 

[spankybear]

As how hard are these engine to work on? Guess that would depend your you and how well you use tools. I do not find them hard. However if yours has one of the dang 400 amp alternators... that would make a nun cuss like a sailor.

 

[Mogman]

Welcome to the SS forums, try cracking each injector line loose one at a time on that side of the engine and see if you can narrow it down to one cylinder.
And as Spankybear says some just have a life of their own.