Autocar

Tapping sound coming from engine on passenger side of car sounds a bit like tappet noise i have heard on other engines (not a knocking if you get what i mean) Any ideas what it might be?

scoobylav

Year of car and mileage may help

douglasb

If the noise is worse when cold and pretty much disappears when warm/after about 5 miles, it is likely to be the cam belt tensioner.

Doug

TBMeech

If its a persistent noise it could be the plug breaking down, I had this the other week, it was the end bit of my HKS plug being loose

Charlie H

I got a very similar noise when I had started using Mobil 1 15/50 oil. Changed to millers at last oil change and the noise had vanished (thinner oil) what oil are you using?

Johnny50

I've also got a similar noise, happened when i used too thin an oil.

I've since changed to 10/60 oil, but the car is still tappy.

I notice it more when the passenger window is down.

Johnny50

Anyone got anymore ideas on this ??

scoobylav

No ideas, but if it makes you happier I get it too !!!

And I still got my leak - f*ck knows where its coming from

Johnny50

What leak have you got Ian ?

scoobylav

When I go for a spirited drive I have a lot of fluid appear on the underside of the bonnet at the front above the headlight on the drivers side. It also sits on the inner wing on that side. The back of the headlight and the electrics are soaked also if you look under the wheel arch it is also wet. It is like water but with a very slightly bluish tinge and slightly greasy consistency.

CAN I F*CK SEE WHERE IT IS COMING FROM

I am beginning to lose the plot

Johnny50

Are any of your levels down ?

Car acting different ?

scoobylav

All levels seem, fine car running like a dream, it's not running hot, its not over reving, brakes are fine, oils fine.

I am stumped, I can't get it to leak when standing still !!!

highlander

Scoobylav - I had very similar problem - it turned out to be a miniscule leak from the top radiator pipe which only occured under pressure - the pipe eventually burst and when I put the new one in - hey presto, the little annoying f*cking leak was gone!!!
Incidentally the leakage was so small that it did not really affect the levels.

Might be worthwhile changing the hose and seeing if it fixes it.
I can't think of any other bluish liquid that would be present except coolant!!!

S.B.

When you get the leak again get a tiny bit on the end of your finger and taste it if it has got a sweet taste it would seem like its antifreeze and water..

submannz

Yes too thin oil can cause noisey lifters.

Dirty injectors can also create a lot of noise and can be quite often confused with tappets

Mortywrx

sorry to but in but is it possible to clean the injector cos i think this is the cause of the tapping on my engine listened over the area where the injectors are and put finger on them and it is them that are tapping.

Darren

Johnny50

There's plenty injector cleaner out there, not sure if it's good to use though.

Alternatively, i'm sure there are places that will take them out and clean them.

wanted

scoobylav, i've had this aswell and it turned out to be the header tank leaking under pressure, then two days later the radiator went.

scoobylav

Thanks for those replies guys.

Haven't had the leak all weekend !!!!!! (obviously not driving hard enough )

Johnny50

Anyone else got any ideas on the tapping ?

Mine seems to be getting worse, though probably cos i'm listening for it now.

DRENZ

Johny,
Have you noticed when the tapping started? I ask cause I had a recent problem that was resolved by changing the oil filter, All Filters have a one way valve that stops oil drainging back from the oilways when the car is parked (like overnight). When this valve "leaks", next time U start there is "no" oil in your tappets and you get the clicking. To prove if this is your prob, On hearing noise on startup, Stop engine, then restart again and the noise will "go away". To fix, use trusted oil filters.

DRENZ

Johny,
Have you noticed when the tapping started? I ask cause I had a recent problem that was resolved by changing the oil filter, All Filters have a one way valve that stops oil drainging back from the oilways when the car is parked (like overnight). When this valve "leaks", next time U start there is "no" oil in your tappets and you get the clicking. To prove if this is your prob, On hearing noise on startup, Stop engine, then restart again and the noise will "go away". To fix, use trusted oil filters.

Johnny50

Hi mate,

Unfortunately, it was happening not long after i put the 0w/40 in it.
Since then, it's had an oil and filter change, now using Shell Helix Ultra Racing 10w/60, and genuine scoob filter.

That was about 3 weeks ago, and it's still doing it.
Have just chucked in some injector cleaner, see if that helps any on that side.

Will keep you all posted.

Charlie H

Halfords do a hydraulic lifter additive by WYNNES to quieten noisy tappets may be worth a try? I used it in mine along with a different oil and my noisey engine is now quiet

Johnny50

Ah. Good call Charlie.
Think i'll give that a try too.