For the last couple of days my engine has started making a tapping metallic noise on tick-over, when hot!! This is what I am unsure about, its almost like the sound of train tracks. I can hopefully send a sound clip of the noise if it helps anyone identify it. I cannot however fathem out where its coming from, it seems to be the main block around the centre.

If anyone has had this on theirs and has any ideas please let me know.

Mine is a 94uk and has now clocked just over 125k which i feel may be something to do with it.

Many thanks for any advice.

Gonza

 

When the big ends went on my MY00, the first I knew of it was a loud tapping noise, but that was louder when cold and went fairly quiet when hot. I do hope it's not that serious though.

Maybe the folks in Drivetrain will know more? >>>

 

Sounds like tappets.
Not uncommon and nothing to worry about if you dont take it to the red line often.

Sometimes a fresh oil change (and a good quality oil),will cure it.

I hope it isnt big ends,IMO when a big end noise starts,it dosent take long for it to start banging,but this can be different in many cases.

 

Sorry for being a bit dense but what is the difference in noise between the tappets and the 'Big end'?

In the mornings when cold it does a high pitch tap, its done this for a while but goes away when warm, so i don't worry about that, just this noise seems not so much louder, but deeper (if that makes sense), and does it now when hot. For example I was stuck in traffic today when i really noticed it with the window open.

I last changed oil about 1k ago, I've done roughly 35k in the last year and have always changed it very 4k and keep it topped up too. I use 10-40 semi. If this helps??

Just really wondering is it just something to put up with or is there a cure without a new car??

Thanks in advance.

 

As it's a '94 it'll have hydraulic lifters (tappets) when these call it a day the valve clearance causes a lot of noise. At 125k they've done well! It could be only one or two of them, which would make the sound distinctive. Another possibility is the cam belt tensioner.
JohnD