Ticking noise from engine

[ONX]

I've just bought a 1997 Cerbera 4.2. My last car was a 4.0HC Chimaera. The Cerbie obvoiusly is a lot noiser, as it's got a s/steel sports exhaust. However I've noticed a ticking sound from the engine. The noise varies with the speed of the engine. Sounds similar to maladjusted tappets.....

I've spoken with the Doug, at David Geralds, and he said that the cerbera is noiser than the chimaera and the noise is normal.... Not having had a cerbera before I can't compare.... any ideas... I would appreciate your comments....

[FourWheelDrift]

They do make a noise like that, but best to find someone else with a Cerbera nearby (ideally an early 4.2) to compare. Unless you can post a sound sample on here for us to hear it it'll be difficult for us to say. Otherwise get a 2nd opinion from another dealer for reassurance purposes only.

[trooper1212]

The cerb engine is certainly a lot more "tappety" than the rover v8.

Is it a constant ticking or a sporadic ticking that comes and goes? Tappets would be a good thing to check, along with oil level.

When I had this on mine it turned out that the valves springs were broken and needed replacing.

[tvrslag]

ONX

I have a 1996 4.2 and live in Daventry if you want to compare engine noises at some point.
Only problem is I'm away for a few weeks so can't do it until mid June if you can wait.
But believe me, when cold the engines sound like theres a bag of spanners being thrashed around inside. Especially if you're car has the original clatter cams which is a possibility. It doesn't get much better when Warm.
When is you're car due the next tappet clearance check? Also is you're oil level OK and your oil pressure high enough?
My solution was to decat the car and now I can't here the rattly noises

[DustyC]

This is probbaly wrong but just incase it helps...

When the exhaust manifold or gasket is blowing on the RV8 it makes a ticking noise similar to dodgy tappets. Perhaps worth checking the manifold out too. Does it sound the same on both banks?

[ONX]

Thanks for your comments..... I'm a bit more reassured that the noise is normal... especially now that i've put a few miles on the cerbie.... It's so so much faster than the old chimp.... I'm still gonna have it checked out though... now I know what to ask them to check.... ;-)

[basher]

From memory earlier cerbs were definitley noisier mechanically....correct me if i am wrong but didnt pre 98 4.2's have clatter cams ??

whatever cams you have they do make a noise like nuts and bolts in a spin dryer when cold

[davidd]

my early cerb (sept 96) has clatter cams and the make a right old racket.

D

[Byff]

Mine makes a racket. It'll never sound like a Rover V8.