Please lend me your ears!

[mab1]

Can I borrow your highly tuned ears please?

Not long after I had it my Chimaera developed an irritating tapping noise which is constantly present but only really audible at low / cruising revs. The noise appears to be coming from the near side bank, possibly towards the front.

I suspected the manifold gaskets. The exhaust was pressure / smoke tested and a number of the gaskets on the near side bank were leaking so they were replaced. The noise didn't go away.

Next on the potential list was broken rocker pads. Removed the rocker cover and mechanism on both sides and all looked perfectly fine (very clean in fact).

Decided to change the oil to Millers CSS 20w50, as this has been reported to quieten down noises in some cases. No change!

I've ordered a mechanics stethoscope so will give that a go when it arrives.

I'm not sure how clear the sound will be but I recorded a short clip of the engine running earlier. Any ideas gratefully received!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvXJvjC1OoY&fea...

[Milk Tray]

Since changing the manifold gaskets have you checked again for leak? Mine sounded like this, I changed the gaskets and no change so I took off the manifolds again and filled the face OF the manifolds down carefully and this cured the problem. Hope you get it sorted.

[mab1]

Thanks for the replies, will look into both the water pump and retest the exhaust system (alternator is brand new).

[900T-R]

mab1 said:

(alternator is brand new).

I've learnt not to exclude a component from a fault search because it is brand new. If everything else is found to be correct, chances are it is the brand new part that's faulty (be it 'out of the box' or through an installation error).

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I had an alternator belt which caused this symptom. (was chuffed, as it was just about the cheapest option!)

[Zippee]

You've checked the gaskets but what about the actual manifolds? The OEM TVR ones are prone to cracking and causing a ticking noise.

[mab1]

I dropped the belt off and ran it briefly, unfortunately no change to the noise. The hunt continues, will re test the manifolds for leaks..

[blaze_away]

I agree, sounds very much like crack in the manifold.

btw I have full set of manifolds and Y piece to sell if anybody is interested. Came off mine when custom stainless exhaust was made for it.

[SILICONEKID340HP]

mab1 said:

Thanks for the replies, will look into both the water pump and retest the exhaust system (alternator is brand new).

Best way to test the manifold is to lay it flat and fill it with water ,mine leaked on the weld on the four into one section !!!

[900T-R]

SILICONEKID340HP said:

mine leaked on the weld on the four into one section !!!

Yep, they tend to go first on that spot...

[mab1]

Just thought I would provide a quick update on this, it turns out that the noise is being caused by a badly worn cam follower on the left bank no doubt caused by a worn cam.

I have ordered a V8 Developments MC1 kit which will be fitted in the next couple of weeks

I will post up on the end result.

[haircutmike]

Hope you have a magnetic sump plug, if not, fit one!

[SILICONEKID340HP]

mab1 said:

Just thought I would provide a quick update on this, it turns out that the noise is being caused by a badly worn cam follower on the left bank no doubt caused by a worn cam.

I have ordered a V8 Developments MC1 kit which will be fitted in the next couple of weeks

I will post up on the end result.

I will put you money on it ,you won`t need a Vernier Timing Chain and Gear Set with that cam .

Edited by SILICONEKID340HP on Saturday 29th September 18:21

[mab1]

SILICONEKID340HP said:

I will put you money on it ,you won`t need a Vernier Timing Chain and Gear Set with that cam

Maybe not, Rob at V8D talked me through the options and I decided to go for the fully adjustable kit on the basis for a relatively minor additional cost I know we will be able to get it spot on.

It's got a magnetic sump plug which was clean when the oil was changed and the sump gasket replaced a few hundred miles ago.

[Robertjp]

Hi Martin,

Sorry to hear its not exactly a minor prob, did TG help out at all?

If you need an extra pair of hands or want to borrow any tools etc give me a shout...

At least its the right time of year to be fixing them

Rob

[mab1]

Robertjp said:

Hi Martin,

Sorry to hear its not exactly a minor prob, did TG help out at all?

If you need an extra pair of hands or want to borrow any tools etc give me a shout...

At least its the right time of year to be fixing them

Rob

Hi mate, I am fairly relaxed about it to be honest - at the age and mileage I knew there was a possiblity of cam wear its just a shame it only really came to light after I bought it.

Thanks for the offer of help but should have everything I need - the advantage of having family in the trade!

Hoping to get it back on the road soonish to get a few autumn runs in, then might have the seats out for a refurb or retrim in the depths of winter. Always something to be tinkering with

[mab1]

Just a closing update on this - as you can see from the pictures below the cam was badly worn along with several followers.

The new cam and followers are now fitted and the car ran perfectly over 250 miles this weekend. Performance is much, much better than before with better low speed manners.

Happy days

[900T-R]

Great news. Cam replacement will be on the list sooner or later for any of us RV8 owners, anyway... to many more pleasant miles and smiles, then!

[phazed]

I know how you feel......

[Robertjp]

Great News Martin,

Did you do the work yourself? Must have been nice getting to know the car a bit better.

Glad to hear she is back on the road, you are doing better than me, garage is looking very empty at the moment

At least the weather is exactly ideal for driving