I have a 4litre EF & its running mint, but there is a diesel/rattle type sound coming from the engine. I checkd the timing chain and rocker gear etc. and it all looks good. I'm pretty sure its coming from the manifold/Cat area. If the Cat is phucked would it be common for a mild rattle sound to come from it when the car's running. The bolts are seized so I haven't taken it out & checked it. Cat's don't usually die do they? The cars done 220k.

Cats can collapse yes. Give it a bit of a thump when the cars off to see if it rattles then. Its possible that you've got an exhaust leak, that will give the sound you are describing. The gaskets joining the cat to the exhaust deteriorate and leak, or it might just need a tighten up.

thanks mate, yeah it could well be a gasket leak. I'll check it out on the w-end.