ZX TD 1997 whistling

[simoncanfer]

My ZX makes a whistling noise when revved above 3000rpm under load. Having read the posts on EGR I'm wondering if this 120 000 mile engine has got bunged up with soot etc. It didn't used to whistle like this.

I intend to disable the EGR now anyway. Is there anything else that might be causing the whistle? It's a lot louder than the usual turbo whine.

Simon

[AndersDK]

Simple things first Simon :
Try if any airducts to/fro the turbo has become loose fit or developed cracks. Thats the most common cause for increased turbowhistle.

It can be hard to trace with car standing, as the turbo is not much working when engine is not loaded.

[Xaccers]

Check the clamp that holds the back box of the exhaust pipe to the rest of it.
The one on my 2.1 wasn't done up properly, so exhaust gas was screaming out the gap it left.
Tightened it up and no more whistle.

[simoncanfer]

So far the exhaust system seems secure with no signs of leaks; I'm now wondering if the (cheap pattern) silencer is the source because I think it's coming from "behind me"!

[Village]

my 97 ZX whistles too. if it still pulls hard under load, I'd suggest that there's nothing loose as a leak would manifest itself with a drop in boost pressure and performance. I don't think the whistle means there's anything wrong...

[nick]

On my '97 Xantia TD it was caused by the inlet manifold gasket going brittle and starting to break up. The whistling on that got so bad when accelerating that people often would turn and stare at the car!, it didn't seem to affect performance in any way though. I replaced the gasket with a metal one from a BX 17TD engine and it stopped the noise.

[Peter.N.]

If you have recently fitted a new exhaust, this can make it noiser until it soots up.