Reducing engine noise on 2350DT?

[Stuart_T]

I find the engine noise a lot more annoying than on my previous (but somewhat smaller) Yanmar 1702D. Mostly HF "rattle". Has anyone had any success with applying sound absorbing/reducing panels to the engine cover panels of their tractor? Most of the recommended products (SoundDown, Killmat, Dynamat., etc.) are fairly pricey so I thought I'd enquire before possibly splurging.

 

[OntheRidge]

I just use a good set of noise canceling headphones.

 

[jimh406]

I've found using synthetic oil like Rotella T6 helps and using an additive like Diesel Kleen helps on diesel engines.

 

[barts]

I use a pair of 3M 30 dB ear protectors... these work well, and are less than $25 at Home Depot w/ free delivery.

 

[Blue2Orange]

Ear plugs or earmuffs. Simple and effective and inexpensive. I've been using Loop and their knockoff versions for a couple years. Tractor, chainsaw, airline travel..... ~21db for the versions used. Don't fall for the BS of 40dB advertised by various sellers on AMZ. They are just less $s.

Side note regarding the Loop Engaged model with the added mute plugs that cut sound by ~21dB, but allow you to clearly hear people talking. Just muted vs. muffled. OP might not be happy if his irritating noise passes through as just muted v. unheard. Go for the Loop Quiet version or generics.

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff (R-01902)

PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs

Not that my BX is loud, some of the 3-point attachments are though...

 

[Stuart_T]

I just use a good set of noise canceling headphones.

I’ve seen guys line the underside of the hood with automotive sound-deadening mats and it really does cut the high-frequency rattle.
If you go that route, just make sure whatever you use can handle heat and won’t trap moisture against the panels.

This is what I've read as well, but am hoping to find a first-hand account and possibly a recommendation for a specific product. I may record a noise sample with my iPhone (not quite a $5k B&K measurement setup but good enough for this) and take a screenshot of the frequency spectrum and SPL and send it to a couple of the mfrs. of sound-deadening mats and see which product they recommend. Given the SPL and the "frequency-range of annoyance" I may be able to get away with a 1/2" thick product. The HF rattle is the main issue. If I do eventually go that route, I'll post the results here.

As to ear muffs, etc., I am well aware of what's available. I currently use Howard Leight banded plugs or Moldex soft plugs and they actually work well enough on the tractor. I also have the Peltor/3M muffs, which I use at the pistol range, often over custom-molded in-ear plugs, depending on who is shooting what next to me (!)

 

[JasonW]

Is it the engine itself “rattling” or the side panels “rattling”? Does it change with engine speed?
Probably any sound deadening should work as long as you don’t block off all the air flow in the side panels.

My ZD has a loud rattle frequency sound at 2300RPM. I just don’t run it at that speed.

 

[Stuart_T]

Is it the engine itself “rattling” or the side panels “rattling”? Does it change with engine speed?
Probably any sound deadening should work as long as you don’t block off all the air flow in the side panels.

My ZD has a loud rattle frequency sound at 2300RPM. I just don’t run it at that speed.

Good points. I'll check all that the next time I fire it up but I think it's engine rattle and doesn't seem to vary much with RPM. I rarely run it above 2000 RPM.

 

[mikester]

The rattle sound of the diesel motor along with the black sooty smell of the exhaust is part of the ambiance. Don't forget to put a few dabs of old grease behind your ears and on the front of your pants!

 

[Stuart_T]

The rattle sound of the diesel motor along with the black sooty smell of the exhaust is part of the ambiance. Don't forget to put a few dabs of old grease behind your ears and on the front of your pants!

I guess I have a bit "too much of a good thing" My old Yanmar wasn't as noisy and my small Takeuchi excavator is pretty quiet. Now my old (c.1963) Onan genny has lots of ambiance, but I built a fan-ventilated sound-reducing box for it. BTDT with the grease.