What noise do tappets make?

[targarama]

I'm approaching the 12k service and I've noticed the engine seems a little more 'fizzy' above 3,000rpm. Not pinking, not rattling, no performance problems, no oil/water usage, ticking over fine, running fine etc.

I'm guessing this is the valve clearances starting to open up/needing adjustment?

I'm planning to book my 12k early anyway but just wanted to check this was what the noise is.

[chris watton]

I know what you mean Trefor, I have been using my car a LOT more over the past few weeks, which only seems to increase my paranoia when I hear tappety sounds, we must be very attune to our cars! When the roof's off, it sounds worse sometimes (that sewing machine sound!), but like you, I check my oil, water religiously, no fault codes on the screen (usually!), but the ever constant worry does dampen an otherwise fantastic experience!
Also like you, I always book my car in at aroung 5K miles, just to be on the safe side (although expensive, both services thus far have added up to almost £3K!!)

[targarama]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not worried about it blowing up on me, if it happens then so be it, until then I'll not worry. I'm just thinking the slight increase in noise I hear is the clearances ready for adjustment.

Mine seems to be running better after yesterday's good trashing at Oulton. It's 5k since the last service so I'll book it in asap. TVR Power this time I think (hope they do loan cars, I don't want to have to use pubic transport).

[chris watton]

I'm taking mine to TVR Power the next time too, as I know they DO really check the tappets, plus they do courtesy cars, as I recall, they had a Tuscan S one! I will have my tappets checked also, plus the gaitors changed on the front steering.

We've just had a great drive around the Forest, Ross etc, and loved it, no paranoia today, even hit the rev limiter in first for the first time (62MPH on the Road Angel/LCD display!!)

[targarama]

After yesterday I'm going to ask for some decent brake fluid too ... Daftlad was telling me about Castrol SFR or something like that (I need to do a quick web search, I've heard of it before though).

[nubbin]

Tappets tend to make a noise like someone opening your wallet, laughing loudly and then burning all the £50 notes you had in there.....

Just kidding - my first Tamora opened it's valve clearances at about 5000 miles, which made a lot of top end clackety noises but was sorted by re-shimming at the next service. Nae probs!