Tappets - assurance seeked!!

[Buster4.2]

My '97 4.2 is very, very tappety above 3000rpm, but it's not too bad at idle (although like all others sounds like a bag of spanners when cold). I believe it has original clatter cams but are they really that noisy???

I am going to arrange a service soon once work commitments permit.

I have spent a while searching the archives, and the only reassurance I could find is one thread where Joolz said it was better for them to be noisier than not.

I have assumed that the Tappets will need adjustment, but am dreading a bigger bill (cams knackered etc).

Can anyone offer me any reassurance from their own experience ????? (Joolz).

Many thanks

[trooper1212]

Mine is the opposite, noisy up to 3000 and then less tappety above that.

The tappets were adjusted at the last service a couple of months back (well they weren't but team proactive said they were spot on)

I think I still have the clatter cams fitted, but I have a receipt for a replacement 'b' cam in all the past bills. What's that about? Surely nobody would replace just one cam? I don't have a receipt for a corresponding 'a' cam.

[simonhaynes]

I had the tappets done on my early 4.2 Cerbera. The engine sounds horrible when cold and not much better as it warms up. I phoned a TVR dealer and they gave me all the spiel about changing cams/shafts etc. In the end I went to an indie guy who works for a Tuscan racing team. The car has only done 20K and he said that it all looked like new in there. Still very noisy though so I would not let the noise worry you.

[pistol]

Hi Buster,

I had the same got it serviced, tappets done and it still sounds the same, only done 14,000 miles, but i'm now confident everythings fine its just a noisy bugger.

You'll just need to drive faster to drown out the engine noise.

Pete

[darreni]

I had a 12k service in june @50k miles. one cam was showing wear & needed replacement. I had both done (common sense?) & you will also need a full set of buckets & shims. Cams are Cheap (about £400 the pair) & the buckets are are about 23 qiud each (x16) all plus labour.
TVR have a cam supply problem (Possibly resolved by now) so you could have a wait if you need 'em.
Hope its just the tappets.
Darren.

[ianfirmstone]

Mines the same its a noisy brute and i had exactly the same reservations.. I had it checked out and its fine.. early ones are just like that

[kojak69]

Its better to be slightly noisier than not.

[Buster4.2]

kojak69 said:

Its better to be slightly noisier than not.

Yes, heard this before. But why is that??

Thanks guys for all the reassurance - will let you know the outcome once serviced.

[dannylt]

Because the tappy noise means there is still some clearance - quietness implies no clearance and therefore badness. According to Joolz...

[kojak69]

Thats correct DannyIt. (Also from Joolz)

[weekender]

mines just had its first 6000 mile service, the tappets were adjusted but it still rattles, also pinks like hell on full chat.

[Boosted LS1]

Would a change of oil or viscosity help? just wondering.

[colinc01]

Mine is currently undergoing 36000 service and I am replacing both camshafts and followers as the mechanic advised that the case hardening was deteriating. cost for cams and followers 700 squid service including clutch 3000 doh.........

[Buster4.2]

Boosted LS1 said:

Would a change of oil or viscosity help? just wondering.

Currently running 10/40W due to a large stash of Magnetec. Would 15/40W make much difference?

[kojak69]

I would put it in for the service if its due, and see what they say. Regarding changing the oil to 15w40, I wouldn't think it'll make much difference.

[Buster4.2]

kojak69 said:

I would put it in for the service if its due, and see what they say. Regarding changing the oil to 15w40, I wouldn't think it'll make much difference.

This is what I'm going to do, although due to work commitments it is likely to be early January. I was obviously concerned whether it would ok to leave it that long. Judging from the responses it can wait a few weeks.

Many thanks for all the advice & reassurance given - much appreciated.

[Boosted LS1]

Buster4.2 said:

Boosted LS1 said: Would a change of oil or viscosity help? just wondering. Currently running 10/40W due to a large stash of Magnetec. Would 15/40W make much difference?

It's worth a try IMHO. My rv8 hated anything lighter then a 20 weight oil and sounded like a scrapper as far as the valve train was concerned. It had to much clearance in the pushrod department. The thicker oil quietened it down loads. Is 15/40 one of the options suggested by the dealers? If so, I'd try it.

[Buster4.2]

I thought I would resurrect this thread as the beast has now returned from it's service.

Tappets were quite a way out and after adjustment the car is running much much sweeter and is quieter all the way through the rev range. Still a little bit tappety but this is to be expected as I still have the original clatter cams.

Good news is that the original cams are in good condition - touches wood quickly.

I will post more details of the service in a separate thread (when i have a minute) as there are a couple of things that may interest others in the South West.