I have recently returned from a 3500km round trip through Victoria - You have some great roads down there by the way- and have noticed a knocking sound coming from the bottom end of the engine.
It sounds a lot like this, but much quieter.

Rod Knocking Sound

I have consulted some more knowledgable people (Chris Barry and AusS2000) and the consensus is that I have worn/damaged at least one of my rod bearings. (these are the bearings that connect the piston to the crank)
The damage probably started when I connected my oil hoses the wrong way round and ran the car with zero oil pressure. It made a horrendous noise. Once we had realised my mistake We swapped them back and the car ran normally again. This happened about 18 months ago and I thought that I had got away with it. Seems that the damage was already done.

I have some replacement bearings coming thanks to Chris; Aus and I will attempt to replace them by removing the oil pan and oil pump. We will access the bearings from underneath. It won't be a nice job.
Cheers Aus for offering to help me once again, and Chris for ordering the parts and your time on Sunday.

I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Read up on the Karma Sutra as you may have to learn some new moves to change the bearings from below.

Use Auss2000's library card if you dont want to be labeled a perv.

 

bummer.

Reading stuff like this makes me worry about my home install job... and future pulley upgrades..

 

Hmmm, might enlist your help Chris as many listings in the Karma Sutra require a third.

 

I honestly don't think that this is related to the fact that I am FI, although it probably did speed up the process once the bearings had been oil starved.

 

Another M

 

Honda have just quoted me $3000 to do this job, and that's just the labour! Looks like I may have to upgrade the wine for the meal I make you and your other half Aus.

 

if you need a second quote, let me know and i can introduce you to Robert from Hanny's.

 

Might not be a bad idea.

 

I guess there is no harm in asking.