Noisy tappet on startup - Chim 450

[rgw2012]

I started the car the other day and it had a very noticeable tappet noise (verified by long screwdriver to the ear on the nearside rocker cover) - after about 30 secs the noise has gone, presumably as the hydraulic lifter primes. I'm guessing that the lifter is knackered as it's bleeding down and doesn't seem to take long to do so - a restart 10 mins later will replicate the issue.

I know you should always replace the cam and lifters at the same time but is that only true when you have an ongoing tappet noise when everything is warmed up? As the car runs fine after the initial noise has gone what is the urgency to get it fixed - is it killing the cam lobe on startup or not having a material affect?

Not looking for a particular answer as it is what it is but would welcome your collective opinions on a sensible approach to this please.

[indigochim]

When I had a tappety noise it was a leaking exhaust manifold that had failed. I was glad I was with Ian at TourqueRVT when I found it as I was fearing the worst. Mine too quietened down after warming up and new gaskets sorted me out, maybe yours is the same.

[rgw2012]

indigochim said:

When I had a tappety noise it was a leaking exhaust manifold that had failed. I was glad I was with Ian at TourqueRVT when I found it as I was fearing the worst. Mine too quietened down after warming up and new gaskets sorted me out, maybe yours is the same.

Yup, heard about that before thanks, hence ruling it out by using the long screwdriver against the rocker technique.

No-one have anything else to offer??

[David Beer]

Oil. When I had my 390se told use synthetic and then switched my Rangie to it , both rattled . Back to good old Castrol gtx, never rattled again in either. 7 v8 s later, not used synthetic.
Ok my mustang v8 is on it but it’s a modern engine.