The Dreaded Tick
Discussion
Hi Guys - need some advice. Have a single tick sound all the time coming from top of engine more on the offside. Sounds like it could be a single tapet, does not get any louder, just speeds up when driving and seems more pronounced crusing at 45mph with little throttle.
I have just changed exhaust manifold gasket on offside, but no change. Have also used the screwdriver trick around engine including on the rocker shafts with her running and cannot pick up any noise or vibration.
The car runs very well at 55k miles having had major upgrade rebuild in 2001, using little oil and no water, so am planning the following and would welcome any input?
Replace nearside exhaust manifold gasket - may as well even though the tick is not so loud this side of engine
Remove and inspect rocker shafts - looking for wear or missing steel pad.
Remove inlet manifold and valley cover - do I need to remove timing cover to do this on a pre serpintine engine. remove push rods and lifters if they come out without removing camshaft and inspect for wear along with camshaft eyeball in situ.
Could do a compression test but do not have a performance issue and don,t think this will give me any pointers to finding the tick noise.
Any further thoughts, input or advice very welcome.
Unable to go to TVR Power open day on Sat as suggested to Daz, but would offer beer coffee if anyone lives near Bristol and has a good ear.
Thanks - Andy
I have just changed exhaust manifold gasket on offside, but no change. Have also used the screwdriver trick around engine including on the rocker shafts with her running and cannot pick up any noise or vibration.
The car runs very well at 55k miles having had major upgrade rebuild in 2001, using little oil and no water, so am planning the following and would welcome any input?
Replace nearside exhaust manifold gasket - may as well even though the tick is not so loud this side of engine
Remove and inspect rocker shafts - looking for wear or missing steel pad.
Remove inlet manifold and valley cover - do I need to remove timing cover to do this on a pre serpintine engine. remove push rods and lifters if they come out without removing camshaft and inspect for wear along with camshaft eyeball in situ.
Could do a compression test but do not have a performance issue and don,t think this will give me any pointers to finding the tick noise.
Any further thoughts, input or advice very welcome.
Unable to go to TVR Power open day on Sat as suggested to Daz, but would offer beer coffee if anyone lives near Bristol and has a good ear.
Thanks - Andy
Fire it up in the dark and look if you can see any sparks before you start stripping things.
You really need to pop the vbelt off if you try and listen for noises at the front otherwise the alt & water pump are just too noisy
I honestly find a bit of timber better than a screw driver as a 'hearing aid' 
Checking the rockers is easy enough, but if you want to go deeper what with the work & gaskets required its well worth considering slapping in a new cam+followers whilst your down there IMHO
You really need to pop the vbelt off if you try and listen for noises at the front otherwise the alt & water pump are just too noisy
I honestly find a bit of timber better than a screw driver as a 'hearing aid' Checking the rockers is easy enough, but if you want to go deeper what with the work & gaskets required its well worth considering slapping in a new cam+followers whilst your down there IMHO
I have similar noise except mine is from nearside. Also thinking tappet. Going to change the oil for thicker and see what happens. Check my previous post on 'Sticky Lifters'
I live in Bristol (Clifton) and have an extremely good ear having been in the music industry for 5 years except I probably don't know what I'm listening for!!!
If you fancy a meet we could compare ticking noises! Would also be nice to compare my Chim to another - I've always thought mine is down on power but maybe thats just the 400!!
PM me if interested
Ryan
I have been looking at the search function on the forum and finding loads of great information on likely causes of ticking noises from the RV8.
My car is a Chimaera 500 (1998 with 47000miles).
Generally the car is good with Joo at TCS (I do wish he was still in operation - come back Joo we miss you) having tuned the engine on his rolling road. Power about right with ACT elbow and K&N only from standard (274bhp and 320lb/ft). My issue is that I was aware of slight tapping from the engine which was spoiling the overall noise of the car.
Several mechanics had listened and although they could hear "Slight Clatter" they were happy that all was well. I agreed but the noise , which my ear was attuned too seemed to be getting loader over the last few weeks.
Decided to remove rocker cover and inspect after talking with several experts - Thanks Rob and Ray at V8 Developments. By the way the noise was coming from the top of the engine and only from one side. Someone on here mentioned a trick of using a hose tube to listen to specific areas - so thanks. The noise seemed to be coming from the nearside rocker cover generally.
When I took this off and inspected the rockers I found that one of the rockers had lost it's steel pad and the valve was starting to eat into the alloy rocker itself.
Not loaded pictures before but here is the link i think.
See attached
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/wrightp_p...
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/wrightp_p...
I have also seen long debates over the merits of steel rockers etc but have decided to order alloy rockers again with a new shaft (The pedestals look ok and we can reuse the springs).
My questions is what do I need to be aware of when refitting the new shaft and rockers?
I understand the preload issue but my rockers had no shims when we took them off. The new rockers/ shaft may be slightly different so I will be measuring the gap from pedestal to head during the retightening process by using the existing shaft and rockers to gauge pre-load before offering up the new shaft/ rockers etc. The process for checking without getting to the lifters is explained on the V8 Development website.
It would be great to just get the new stuff delivered put together and bolt it up - but I am sure things are unlikely to go that easy!
Thoughts?
Phil.
My car is a Chimaera 500 (1998 with 47000miles).
Generally the car is good with Joo at TCS (I do wish he was still in operation - come back Joo we miss you) having tuned the engine on his rolling road. Power about right with ACT elbow and K&N only from standard (274bhp and 320lb/ft). My issue is that I was aware of slight tapping from the engine which was spoiling the overall noise of the car.
Several mechanics had listened and although they could hear "Slight Clatter" they were happy that all was well. I agreed but the noise , which my ear was attuned too seemed to be getting loader over the last few weeks.
Decided to remove rocker cover and inspect after talking with several experts - Thanks Rob and Ray at V8 Developments. By the way the noise was coming from the top of the engine and only from one side. Someone on here mentioned a trick of using a hose tube to listen to specific areas - so thanks. The noise seemed to be coming from the nearside rocker cover generally.
When I took this off and inspected the rockers I found that one of the rockers had lost it's steel pad and the valve was starting to eat into the alloy rocker itself.
Not loaded pictures before but here is the link i think.
See attached
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/wrightp_p...
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss144/wrightp_p...
I have also seen long debates over the merits of steel rockers etc but have decided to order alloy rockers again with a new shaft (The pedestals look ok and we can reuse the springs).
My questions is what do I need to be aware of when refitting the new shaft and rockers?
I understand the preload issue but my rockers had no shims when we took them off. The new rockers/ shaft may be slightly different so I will be measuring the gap from pedestal to head during the retightening process by using the existing shaft and rockers to gauge pre-load before offering up the new shaft/ rockers etc. The process for checking without getting to the lifters is explained on the V8 Development website.
It would be great to just get the new stuff delivered put together and bolt it up - but I am sure things are unlikely to go that easy!
Thoughts?
Phil.
Edited by wrightp on Tuesday 14th April 15:52
To find manifold/gasget leaks, i use a length of hosepipe as a stethoscope, one end to ear, the other to the suspect areas. It works fine and can save heaps of trial and error.
Mu RV8 also had a tick that sounded like a tappet. My car's oil consumption is virtually nil, so i have changed oil from 10w40 magnatec to 5w40 silkolene pro R (synthetic). The tick has stopped, dont know if its related.
Nick
Mu RV8 also had a tick that sounded like a tappet. My car's oil consumption is virtually nil, so i have changed oil from 10w40 magnatec to 5w40 silkolene pro R (synthetic). The tick has stopped, dont know if its related.
Nick
i recently took my car to v8 developments with a few problems . one was my fault, i blocked the injectors and fuel rail with silecone so as a result i sent them away for cleaning and flow tested (fleabay), two of them were blocked, the clatter noise was because its set up for high octane fuel , think they played with the dizzy (bob weights) and set the engine upto suit 98 octane in the tank . .i only get a slight clatter now but its alot better. now for the tick noise !they found the rocker shaft moved slightly so the brackets which hold the bar in place were replaced. the single tick noise as now completly gone .it now pulls like a train and he said its the fastest standard original he as worked on .nearly forgot to say they went through the engine and its very healthy with compression higher than a new engine ,another thing they found was the timming mark was miles out . they used a scope to find nothing .im hoping running it on high octane wan`t cost alot more .im using this oil allso comes in fully synthetic 2.5 gallons .
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Lucas-High-Spec-20-50-20w50-...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Lucas-High-Spec-20-50-20w50-...
About to strip mine down too. Going to change the cam followers to hi-rev non pump thingies whilst i'm in there. Still waiting for a response to an email asking Rob which cam followers he recommends... I know exactly how attuned you can get to the ticking. It now ruins my engine noise. Just got to turn up the stereo 
Thanks for the offer of listening device - I think we have found the issue hopefully. The tapping noise can apparantly come from a number of sources but it was good to find the problem without a full stripdown.
I was wondering if the preload advice from Rob /Ray would be needed with the new rockers and shaft which are in the post - I suppose I need to wait to check the install when they arrive and take it from there.
If you have a noise my recommendation is to use this forum to get background info but also to trust your judgement and look at the least expensive option first followed by a check of the rockers - as the job seemed easy. Having said that I seem to have found my issue and your's might not be the same but hopefully you will get to the source without big expense.
Phil.
I was wondering if the preload advice from Rob /Ray would be needed with the new rockers and shaft which are in the post - I suppose I need to wait to check the install when they arrive and take it from there.
If you have a noise my recommendation is to use this forum to get background info but also to trust your judgement and look at the least expensive option first followed by a check of the rockers - as the job seemed easy. Having said that I seem to have found my issue and your's might not be the same but hopefully you will get to the source without big expense.
Phil.
There are a number of places where you can get replacement rocker gear but it really depends on what you are after. If you do a search on here for rockers you will see the debate on using alloy rockers, steel rockers, or roller rockers. Interesting stuff but I decided to go for alloy replacements.
When the parts arrive I will be able to give more info on quality etc. from the supplier I went for.
A good source for information advice and parts would be V8 Developments - as I mentioned Rob and Ray are great people to deal with and very patient in discussions over possible issues with my car. By the way they are one of the sources of replacement rockers.
Phil.
When the parts arrive I will be able to give more info on quality etc. from the supplier I went for.
A good source for information advice and parts would be V8 Developments - as I mentioned Rob and Ray are great people to deal with and very patient in discussions over possible issues with my car. By the way they are one of the sources of replacement rockers.
Phil.
No I haven't found it and with only the rocker cover removed on one side I would rather not take the engine apart unless engine damage is very likely. My thinking is that the pad has been off for some time now and nothing has happened other than the ticking noise so perhaps it found it's way into the sump somewhere which should be OK.
By the way the new parts arrived yesterday and I will take some pictures of the reinstall and post some links.
Cheers
Phil.
By the way the new parts arrived yesterday and I will take some pictures of the reinstall and post some links.
Cheers
Phil.
Hi Andy
The crank and other bits on the bench are from other cars as you have spotted. The crank is from a Volvo 164 3 litre straight 6 which a friend is rebuilding with a supercharger - interesting project!
The other rocker shaft is from a 3.5 litre Rover v8 engine which was removed from a Rover P5 or 6 I think coupe. I used it to see the differences from the TVR rocker shaft and it. I was very happy to see the condition of my TVR rockers assembly compared to the black death that had afflicted the 3.5 V8.
The next stage is rebuild on Saturday morning which will be interesting to see the comparisons from original equipment and replacement parts just purchased. I am just planning to replace the one bank at present as the noise was only coming from one side. If the process goes well then I might look at the other side for peace of mind.
Hi Daz
I am not replacing the pedestals at this stage due to their condition and hopefullness that the issue can be solved without replacing too much. I understand eonomies of does the replacement once while the rockers are in bits but I just want to sort the cause of the noise which seems apparant from the pictures. If there is other wear in other items then I will have to deal with it later. Thanks for the advice though!
Phil.
The crank and other bits on the bench are from other cars as you have spotted. The crank is from a Volvo 164 3 litre straight 6 which a friend is rebuilding with a supercharger - interesting project!
The other rocker shaft is from a 3.5 litre Rover v8 engine which was removed from a Rover P5 or 6 I think coupe. I used it to see the differences from the TVR rocker shaft and it. I was very happy to see the condition of my TVR rockers assembly compared to the black death that had afflicted the 3.5 V8.
The next stage is rebuild on Saturday morning which will be interesting to see the comparisons from original equipment and replacement parts just purchased. I am just planning to replace the one bank at present as the noise was only coming from one side. If the process goes well then I might look at the other side for peace of mind.
Hi Daz
I am not replacing the pedestals at this stage due to their condition and hopefullness that the issue can be solved without replacing too much. I understand eonomies of does the replacement once while the rockers are in bits but I just want to sort the cause of the noise which seems apparant from the pictures. If there is other wear in other items then I will have to deal with it later. Thanks for the advice though!
Phil.
wrightp said:
Hi Andy
....The other rocker shaft is from a 3.5 litre Rover v8 engine which was removed from a Rover P5 or 6 I think coupe. I used it to see the differences from the TVR rocker shaft and it. I was very happy to see the condition of my TVR rockers assembly compared to the black death that had afflicted the 3.5 V8.
.....
Phil.
Phil, I don't wish to pee on your bonfire but comparing the state of your rocker shaft with one that is probably 40 years old and covered a high mileage whilst being fed with oils that are nowhere near as good as those developed in the last 10 years along with fuels that have become cleaner burning, is not really a fair comparison.....The other rocker shaft is from a 3.5 litre Rover v8 engine which was removed from a Rover P5 or 6 I think coupe. I used it to see the differences from the TVR rocker shaft and it. I was very happy to see the condition of my TVR rockers assembly compared to the black death that had afflicted the 3.5 V8.
.....
Phil.
I'm not defending the engine as all engines of that era will be substantially more worn and carbon coated compared to a more modern unit due to the advancement in oil, fuel and engineering technology. Especially bearing in mind that older engines were almost expected to burn oil and that as the engine ages the crankcase produces more fumes which are recycled up into the top end of the angine and into the air intakes so the engines eat their own fumes. The very action of this cycling of the fumes causes the vapour content to be baked onto the rockers. What saves your TVR is the moden oils.
You should be insoecting the rockers for signs of wear. any movement, other tna in the intended directin of rotation should be considered suspect. This is a simple piece of engineering and a visual inspection along with feeling for excessive movement should revela any weakness or defect.
BeastMaster said:
Hi Guys - need some advice. Have a single tick sound all the time coming from top of engine more on the offside. Sounds like it could be a single tapet, does not get any louder, just speeds up when driving and seems more pronounced crusing at 45mph with little throttle.
I have just changed exhaust manifold gasket on offside, but no change. Have also used the screwdriver trick around engine including on the rocker shafts with her running and cannot pick up any noise or vibration.
The car runs very well at 55k miles having had major upgrade rebuild in 2001, using little oil and no water, so am planning the following and would welcome any input?
Replace nearside exhaust manifold gasket - may as well even though the tick is not so loud this side of engine
Remove and inspect rocker shafts - looking for wear or missing steel pad.
Remove inlet manifold and valley cover - do I need to remove timing cover to do this on a pre serpintine engine. remove push rods and lifters if they come out without removing camshaft and inspect for wear along with camshaft eyeball in situ.
Could do a compression test but do not have a performance issue and don,t think this will give me any pointers to finding the tick noise.
Any further thoughts, input or advice very welcome.
Unable to go to TVR Power open day on Sat as suggested to Daz, but would offer beer coffee if anyone lives near Bristol and has a good ear.
Thanks - Andy
I don't want to go into why I know this as it's subject to a complaint to a garage at the moment, , but you can get a tick just like you are describing if the spark plugs are not tightened down correctly, effectively you get the same noise as a blowing manifold gasket. I have just changed exhaust manifold gasket on offside, but no change. Have also used the screwdriver trick around engine including on the rocker shafts with her running and cannot pick up any noise or vibration.
The car runs very well at 55k miles having had major upgrade rebuild in 2001, using little oil and no water, so am planning the following and would welcome any input?
Replace nearside exhaust manifold gasket - may as well even though the tick is not so loud this side of engine
Remove and inspect rocker shafts - looking for wear or missing steel pad.
Remove inlet manifold and valley cover - do I need to remove timing cover to do this on a pre serpintine engine. remove push rods and lifters if they come out without removing camshaft and inspect for wear along with camshaft eyeball in situ.
Could do a compression test but do not have a performance issue and don,t think this will give me any pointers to finding the tick noise.
Any further thoughts, input or advice very welcome.
Unable to go to TVR Power open day on Sat as suggested to Daz, but would offer beer coffee if anyone lives near Bristol and has a good ear.
Thanks - Andy
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