Engine Rattle

[MondyDave1983]

Ive got a mondeo ghia x diesel, 2.0ltr 115bhp and its got a rattle coming from the cam chain side of the engine, it seems to be louder when the engine is started from cold, does anybody have any ideas what could be wrong

[FOCA]

The axiliary belt/ tensioner likes to rattle at tickover, it usually goes away at higher revs, the belt/ tensoiner only lasts about 50k miles (give or take)

You need to replace the belt + tensioner together, gates kits are ok the crank pully has a damper in it, which also wears out genuine ones are best

If the belt snaps you will lose your AC (not a problem) and your alternator drive, the car can still be driven in daylight if you keep the battery charged as a get-you-home or to be driven to a garage, anyway (you are unlikely to do any serious damage, like with a cambelt)