V6 Cologne engine sounds loud tappet rattles in my S2

[S2Mike]

Have been using my S2 but sounds quite loud tappet rattle, has been same since I bought it last October, a change of oil has made no difference. I believe it is hydraulic tappets ( unconfirmed) so no adjustment.
Options are:
1. Additives to oil to flush the pipes?
2. Replace the rocker shaft with new.
3. Replace rocker shaft and rockers with new.
4. Accept the noise is "normal"
5. Use rocker shaft and rockers from a spare engine I have.

I want to do the job myself, but want to be sure it will work, I hate doing a job twice, especially when it takes a while to get to the offending bit.
As my TVR only has 47000 miles on the clock should it be that noisy?

[S2Mike]

I have bought a Granada workshop manual, which says that the 2.9 V6 can have either, but no details of how to know until you get a professional to check, by which time its in bits.

[S2Mike]

GadgeS3C said:

Can't find my copy of SH's bible at the mo but I think it was only the S3C that TVR fitted the engine with hydraulic tappets in. That said, engines could be swapped. I understand you're right that the only way to know is to check the tappet settings. Haven't done this on mine yet so I'm not sure what it has.

Does it have a Ford or TVR engine number? I believe some of the engine codes may help to confirm.

In daylight tomorrow I will take a look.

[S2Mike]

I have replaced the exhaust manifold gaskets, I remember well because the ******* bolts were all seized and some bodger had rounded the ******** heads of the bolts off.
Possible I still have a leak though, I will check that out, thanks for the idea.
I just dont want to get in too deep, and end up with a box of bits and a car seat!!
Now we have sunshine I wanna be out and about!!
Cheers guys I will report back with progress.

[S2Mike]

Would that be enough to feel, if you could get your hand near it.?? Or is that gonna be too hot to get near?
How did you find it?

[S2Mike]

I have not done any adjustment at the moment, but would be going by the Ford Granada Haynes manual 0.030 and 0.040in inlet / exhaust ( this is from memory the book is at home ) whatever it says in there anyway, but worried that they maybe hydraulic so not adjustable, book says could be either type.
I wondered though if these engines are naturally "tappety"

[S2Mike]

I went what I thought was the easy route, checked the V5, that has D0938-*** ( last three digits blanked out to avoid anyone cloning mine ) the actual numbers are there but I need to look at the engine itself.
Oh well a job for tonight.! Plus risk the burnt arm checking for manifold blow!! Wish me luck Im going in......
.
Back soon.

Edited by S2Mike on Tuesday 31st July 14:16

[S2Mike]

Ahh Top Tip just in time Thanks Buddy.

[S2Mike]

Not had chance to do any checking as yet. Been very wet, and had weekend away. So TVR wrapped up in its nest. Hope to get her out Saturday. Will post any findings on here!

[S2Mike]

Sorry for the delay in updating progress, but now we have some sunshine I just wanna drive it.

[S2Mike]

Well not much progress here, checked for exhaust manifold blow, can't find any problems. Also tried the old mechanic trick. Big screwdriver pointy bit against suspect parts and ear pressed to handle end. Sounds sweet as you like on the rocker covers, beginning to think the camshaft maybe the next suspect!
Brain fade,..... forgot to look for the engine number to see if I have hydraulic or adjustable tappets, watch this space!!

[S2Mike]

Before getting to pull everything apart, thought I would just go back to an earlier post and flush the oil system and use a non synthetic oil.
This seems to have quietened it down a little, maybe I am being picky and am looking for perfection and with an old V6 Ford engine this is gonna be asking a lot!

[S2Mike]

Gonna have a go this weekend and thought by adding to the thread it would then be easier to find all the good advice you guys offered.
Refurbing the rocker covers at the same time, and picking up the replacement seats, have re road taxed as well so those chilly morning runs are a must.
Busy TVR weekend.

[S2Mike]

Ok so more confusing than ever now, conflicts with much of the good advice on here.
Engine number on mine
SA9DSN2****192** not the BR or B4 so not sierra or granada? Several numbers blotted for security.
An LL code, which according to Ford is 1990 manufacture which fits, and all points to the numbering means it is not hydraulic.
Which from all the info is the safest assumption. Set with the non hydraulic measurements as with the rocker covers off, there is play in most of the rockers not actually pushing a valve,,which would be wrong if it were hydraulic followers.
so going for it.

[S2Mike]

I may be talking to myself here, as its been so long getting round to doing the job.
The S is like a new car, no clatter, smooth roar, and you can hear the air being sucked into the injection system, just before the exhaust roars and the tyres squeal.
I had to go on a 50 mile road test to be sure.
Manual not hydraulic tappets, and they were a long way out of settings.
While the alternator was off, I refurbed the bracket, with a little high temp red paint, could be the start of a lot of tidying under the bonnet.
Very very happy, job done, not got any sense from engine numbers though.