Tapping noise.

[whiplash]

I took the car for a spin through some county lanes Saturday (roof down) loving every second and on the straight bits gave it a little left foot down and I could hear a loud tapping noise from the engine.

It reminded me of my speed bump incident when I lost the sump plug and all the oil fell out. So I pulled over checked under the bonnet nothing? The oil pressure was fine the tapping noise had gone so I cruised home.

Took the car out on the same route Sunday and nothing wrong so what caused the tapping? Does the oil have trouble travelling around the top of the engine at high speed or do I have a problem waiting around the bend?

Edited by whiplash on Monday 19th February 12:39

Edited by whiplash on Monday 19th February 12:40

[blitzracing]

A friend of mine damaged 3 pistons after hard cornering on a hill climb (in a Ginetta) caused oil to build up around the near side rockers, and then feed into the Plenum chamber via the breather. This then mixes with the air and petrol and reduces the fuel octane, so you get severe knocking as its pre-ignites. You'd be none the wiser once the oil was burnt. Just a thought....

[Paulathome]

Whiplash,
Does it only make the noise when you have your foot down or all the time?
If only with foot down it may be a blowing exhaust manifold gasket.
Only cheap and quite easy to do yourself.
Good luck
Paul.

[whiplash]

Paulathome,

Thanks for the info. I think you have nailed it. The tapping only occurs when I put my foot down and stops within 10 seconds of letting off the gas.

Looks like the old girl is about to receive new gaskets all round (Rocker / Exhaust) the lot.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond and nice picture of your pride and joy.

[Roberto Rica]

Do you drive cross-legged?

Rob

Edited by Roberto Rica on Tuesday 20th February 09:00

[whiplash]

Only when asked?

[victormeldrew]

Sounds like the problem I had when my car was new. I lost a couple of sets of followers when the oil pressure dropped whenever I touched the throttle. After the second replacement set went the same way TVR Power checked the engine over - the oil pickup was loose, one bolt had fallen out, the other was on its way, and the oil pickup was waving about. On acceleration it swung out of the oil, on a steady throttle it swung back and started sucking up oil again. You might want to drop your sump and check the pickup is still attached properly!

[victormeldrew]

whiplash said:

Only when asked?

I think he was referring to the left foot down comment - you mean right foot Shirley.

[whiplash]

Whoops.

I didn't have the L and R painted on my shoes that day.