Super Weekend driving but........ some questions

[carinatauk]

The Chim was brilliant driving this weekend and saw a few other TVR folk. I did however notice a couple of things that need answering [you know... those ones that nag you to death until you ask (ps nothing to do with the spouse ).

1. Tappets appear to be louder and rattle when under load (slight rattle when cold).

2. Petrol consumption appears to be higher than normal [not sure if was the very heavy right foot and Optimax ]

The car is using v little oil, it has high mileage and other than this no apparent performance issues.

Any ideas chaps or chappesses

Thanks

[M@H]

One and three would suggest you have run out of oil.. this increased friction could be causing number two.



I'll think of a proper answer shortly

[snorky]

since I changed from Mobil 1 to "normal" oil ( at my indie's suggestion ) the engine runs smoother and hardly uses any at all now....

[M@H]

I would concur with snorky, some Oils get a bit thin when hot and the old rover lump likes something with a bit of "body" about it.

Cheers
Matt

[beano500]

carinatauk said:

1. Tappets appear to be louder and rattle when under load (slight rattle when cold).

A possibility here is that you're not hearing tappets at all.

The exhaust manifolds and gaskets are prone to wear and tear and will start to leak. The first symptoms sound more or less like rattley tappets at idle and low revs - well to me at any rate!

The original gaskets are "OK" for the job but they deteriorate. One side on mine went quite badly and I got both sides done - tuppence ha'penny for the part and about four or five hours labour IIRC.

It's a common problem, not something that you necessarily need to panic about, and relatively easily fixed.

[M@H]

that's a bit more of a ticking than a rattle though...

[beano500]

Ohidunno - do you think it's more of a ticking rattle than a rattley tick?

[M@H]

beano500 said:

Ohidunno - do you think it's more of a ticking rattle than a rattley tick?

[chimburt]

i've had a few of these go on mine - manifold gaskets that is.
it is a 'tappety' noise, and this was the conclusion i jumped to ( have had a few new hydraulic tappets in various vw/audis over the years and it is a very similar sort of noise ), but the garage said 'na - most likely gaskets, we'll take a look...'

a bitch of a job if the bolts sheer no doubt, but as i say, i've had a few done, and touch wood....

your other question is? err?
if you were, ahem, making progress, then i think you should expect a little deterioration in mpg? kind of goes with the territory.

sounds like you're having fun though! goodonyerson!

[carinatauk]

Thanks all, looks like i'll be taking a trip to the indie

mmmmmmmmmm heavy feet