Ticking noise from Injectors?

[cabrioman]

Cheers guys.
How would i check the oil to the top end? Does it have an oil feed pipe? Or is it a case of taking the covers off?

[Capncol]

Oil feed is internal. If you had no feed, the cams would have seized

[cabrioman]

I was hoping that. I think I'll get a replacement gasket and then have a nose underneath the cover. See if it is anything obvious or just ware and tear.
I will be taking the car to power flow in the near future so that'll make the tappets less noticeable

[Capncol]

You won't see anything amiss.

[cabrioman]

You won't see anything amiss.

I know, but i want to clean and add a dab of oil the them to make sure it isn't oil starvation that's causing noise. Adding a bit of oil should quieten them down if it's a lack of lubrication that is causing the noise. Might not work but want to make sure it is just worn.

[Capncol]

You are wasting your time. You obviously don't understand how they work. The tappets require oil pressure to work. A dab of oil will do nothing. I have had over 35 years of building engines, so I do know what I'm on about.

If you take the rocker cover off, this is roughly what you will see (this is a Maserati I have just worked on, but is the only similar set up readily to hand)

IMG_1341[1].jpg

If you look closely at the tappet, roughly inline with the bottom of the letters that spell "RED ZONE" you will see a small hole. This is where the pressurized oil enters the tappet
(this is a Chevy big block, but the principal is the same. They are the only tappet items I could take photos of at short notice)
The oil "pumps" the tappet up, a bit like a hydraulic jack. When they start clattering it is because either the internals have seized so do not pump up, or they are loosing pressure causing them to collapse.
Once the tappet is in its bore, you cannot see the oil hole.

IMG_1382[1].jpg

If you look down the tappet bore, you will see the large "hole" in the side which is where the pressurized oil from the internal oil gallery enters the tappet

Picture 002.jpg

Now if you reckon "putting a dab of oil" on them will sort them out- be my guest. All that will happen is you will have wasted your time, the cost of a gasket, and probably cause an oil leak into the bargain.



Tappet in its bore

[cabrioman]

Thank you for the detailed response. This is why i love to be part of a forum the amount of information available can't be beat
I will leave it in which case.

[Capncol]

I would, or if you are going to do anything, replace them with new ones

[cabrioman]

I would, or if you are going to do anything, replace them with new ones

Cheapest I can find is £150. I think I would be in trouble for that.

[Jenni.Baby]

Hi there!

My apologies for resurrecting an old post!

My car sounds very similar to the video posted, it's like a bike chain, but it's only occurring when the car is cold really. At this stage, it's much less responsive when I put my foot down and the tempo of the noise is much quicker. Once it's warmed up, the noise is much quieter and less evident... Is that normal? Also, how likely is it to be the hydraulic tappets? And would it cause any major issues to not replace them?

Thank you so much!

[FriendlyGiant]

Hi, Again I apologise for bringing this old post back at up but is my exact problem, If it is the tappets (I know nothing about cars btw :/) Is it detrimental to leave them as is and accept the ticking noise? I dont mind the noise if the car is ok and nothing bad is happening!

Many thanks

FG

[IanL]

Tappet noise means the valve timing is affected, which could result in reduced power, increased fuel consumption and increased wear.

How to cure the tappets:

Usually, the problem is caused by the tappets becoming "gunked up". The gunk can often be dissolved by using a fully synthetic oil in the engine and performing an "Italian tune-up". To do that, wait till the engine is warmed up, and then drive at high revs (say 3,500-4,500) for at least five minutes. Not a joke; this worked for me.

If that doesn't help, you can add a proprietary additive to the oil, designed to free up the tappets, and repeat the tune-up. Do an EBay search for "hydraulic tappet additive".

[FriendlyGiant]

There is def no reduced power, She drives lovely!, But I will try the fully synthetic oil and italian tune up lol, Ty for quick response! I will report back on how it goes!, I have the car arranged for a garage visit next week and am wondering if its needed.....

Also I am only looking to keep this car for 6 - 12 months, Would the car make it so to speak through that with this noise/tappet issue and I mean in your opinion is it likely it would cause no issue in making it the car fail....?

Found this, Is this good enough?

Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Tappet Additive?

Thanks

FG

[IanL]

Found this, Is this good enough?

Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Tappet Additive?

I expect so.

[FriendlyGiant]

Thanks IanL for your help!, Will report back once oil change and tappet additive has been applied!

FG