Help needed

[Nick J]

Just gone to start the Elise and there is a loud tapping noise coming from one of the tappets. I had the car serviced less than 1000 miles ago (3 months) it had Gastrol GTX Magnatec in it which someone recomended. It never did this before it was serviced and it hasn't done since up until now.

Is this the wrong oil?
Is this an Oil related problem?
What oil should I get?

What great timing, the weekend before Le Mans!!! If I can't get it fixed it looks like I'll have to take the Euro Box

Please Help

Thanks Nick

[S Works]

I think this might relate to the hydraulic followers. If you run it it should go away, IIRC you can get flushing oil which will sort it completely but can't remember the full process.

Not terminal AFAIK. Both my S1's did it from time to time.

[jondude]

It may be that the oil is too thin - do you know the viscosity?

What you are ( hopefully ! ) hearing is indeed the followers/valves getting primed and ready for action. All oil seeps slowly to the sump during non-use, leaving the followers/valves 'dry'.

On start up, they clatter until the oil is pumped in and around...which is why you need an ace oil in there, as it will coat the followers so that, despite the noise, the wear is minimal. ( It is for this very reason it is engine suicide to rev madly from cold )

A thick oil drowns out the noises better...but in turn will take longer to warm up!

The test for you is simple. If the noise starts to subside quickly ( 30 seconds ) and eventually go, not least when the engine is fully warm ( 30+ minutes ) then all is well.

Next time, consider Silkolene Race 5w-40....you WILL notice the difference.

[Nick J]

I only use the car at weekends and I took it out before for a bit of a blast, I got back at 7ish and all was fine. I started it up an hour later and it was making the noise. The engine was not fully cold and I left it ticking over until it was warm and it carried on.

I have left the car in the Garage and will give it another go in the morning, I think the first thing to try is a change of oil.

i'll report more in the morning.

[Nick J]

Run Ok today, but I think I will have the oil chaged again for Le mans.