Worrying tapping noise from engine
 

I have had my scooby garaged over the winter. I ran it a few days ago and it was fine. I took it out to wash it today and it has developed a loud tapping noise on the right hand side of the engine towards the rear (near No3 cylinder I think). The noise increases with revs.

I have had a couple of issues with the engine in the past - It burst the front crank shaft seal whilst going round Donnigton and I did let the oil get really low on one occasion.

The oil and filter that is in it now was changed just before I garaged it.

Any ideas??

sounds like a tappet.. it might clear after a run but no idea from your description how loud / bad it is.

It does sound like a tappet to me.

I had a similar sounding problem on my girlfriends VR6. The head had been refurbed and two followers had been put back in the wrong position. I replaced them with new ones and it cured the problem.

Do you think I've got anything to lose taking it for a run?

Are the tappets serviceable whilst the engine is in the car?

I'm thinking of using engine flush and replaceing the oil because it has been stood for a while. Would this release a sticking tappet?

Thanks

I was told not to use engine flush in a scooby because it can cause serious damage

oil change but no flush

my 1995 wrx which ive owned for 10months has a noisey tappet on no3 cylinder and always has i thrash the **** out this engine and its never got any better or any worse. as for changing tappets while engine is in,yes you can change tappets whth engine still in.