Ticking/Tapping Noise - what is it?
Discussion
Started my 500 yesterday afternoon for a quick run out to keep things lubed. I noticed straight away a ticking/tapping noise from under the bonnet at idle, and being an eternal optimist thought that a good thrash at normal running temperature would sort it out. However, the noise is still there, and most noticeable at idle. I've checked the fluid levels and all is ok - any ideas what it could be?
One of two things probably
Manifold gasket leaking, cheap to fix
Manifold cracked, not so cheap
Either are very common problems. I had the same though and it turned out to be neither, just a sticky tappet (lack of use and treating it with kid gloves apparently the cause) solved by Austec who put some additive in the oil and me by using the car more and giving it a trash when warm
. Quiet as a mouse now.
Manifold gasket leaking, cheap to fix
Manifold cracked, not so cheap
Either are very common problems. I had the same though and it turned out to be neither, just a sticky tappet (lack of use and treating it with kid gloves apparently the cause) solved by Austec who put some additive in the oil and me by using the car more and giving it a trash when warm
. Quiet as a mouse now.To be honest neither cracked Manifold or Leaky Gasket is the end of the world. About the same amount of labour required just a significant differance in parts cost.
Look on the bright side - if the manifold is cracked, then replace them with a nice shiny decatted one's! and your Chim will sound a lot meaner!
You can do them yourself if you are not emotionally attached to your knuckles
>> Edited by puffsorted2 on Wednesday 26th October 16:50
Look on the bright side - if the manifold is cracked, then replace them with a nice shiny decatted one's! and your Chim will sound a lot meaner!
You can do them yourself if you are not emotionally attached to your knuckles
>> Edited by puffsorted2 on Wednesday 26th October 16:50
Oh my word! Me too!
Sounds pretty much the same as happened to me on friday... loud tapping sound, goes up and down with engine speed.
Only thing was though, mine only started making the noise at around 70mph+, and it went away again when I slowed for a few minutes, and came back once I sped up again.
Booked into Scole now, and they said it *may* be a problem with the/a hydraulic lifter/follower. No idea what that means though. Hopefully not to expensive.
Sounds pretty much the same as happened to me on friday... loud tapping sound, goes up and down with engine speed.
Only thing was though, mine only started making the noise at around 70mph+, and it went away again when I slowed for a few minutes, and came back once I sped up again.
Booked into Scole now, and they said it *may* be a problem with the/a hydraulic lifter/follower. No idea what that means though. Hopefully not to expensive.
Roaring Reds said:
Thanks for the advice guys! I don't have the time to check and change the gaskets myself (or check for what else it may be)- could any of you recommend a garage within reasonable distance of Reading who I could trust to give me the right diagnosis and fix properly?
David Batty - Guildford
Austec - Crawley
dight-s said:
RR - I'd be interested to hear where you take it / how much it costs to get it sorted. I also have the same prob on my 95 chim, but so far have been quoted £350ish for doing both sides (assuming it's the gasket) - more than I had bargained for!
£350!!!! You're being ripped off mate!
£350 does sound high, especially as the gaskets themselves are not that expensive. Shouldn't take more than say 2 hours per side if they've done it before.
If you tackle it yourself, your dealing with manifold bolts that may not have been moved for 10 years (looking at the age of your car), and as such you need to go very carefully. Shear off a bolt head and you will wish you took it to a garage....
If you tackle it yourself, your dealing with manifold bolts that may not have been moved for 10 years (looking at the age of your car), and as such you need to go very carefully. Shear off a bolt head and you will wish you took it to a garage....
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff