DB9 Noisy tappets. Should I worry?
Discussion
09 DB9 just serviced 100km ago, plugs and coils replaced. Started it on the weekend (after a couple of weeks of no use) and it sounded a bit like a diesel tractor. You know how after a few years of ownership you just know your car. This just didn't sound like it used to. Once it warmed up it was OK. Started it again today and it sounded ok.
brakedwell said:
Aston recommend Castrol Edge 0W 40 A3/B4
That was my understanding, so bought a large container of Castrol for top-ups.
No top-ups were needed, then at service the main dealer told me Mobil 1 was the current recommendation.
I still do not know whether it is just the grade that is important, and perhaps mixing makes does not matter.
My Castrol container still remains full.
I did make the assumption that they put the right grade of mobile 1 in. They are *the* main dealer in the country and have serviced the car several times in the past. If I hear the tappets again I will send it back to them. But I guess the question is if the oil level is correct, is noisy tappets in itself something to worry about. I seem to remember from my misspent youth that it was an adjustment issue, but not engine fatal.
mrpseudonym said:
09 DB9 just serviced 100km ago, plugs and coils replaced. Started it on the weekend (after a couple of weeks of no use) and it sounded a bit like a diesel tractor. You know how after a few years of ownership you just know your car. This just didn't sound like it used to. Once it warmed up it was OK. Started it again today and it sounded ok.
I always prime the system if the car hasn't been started in a couple of weeks. Tappets would sound more like a tick/rattle than a diesel tractor.Tappets that are noisy initially on start-up is almost always where the non return valves in the hydraulic, self adjusting followers are letting bye and losing pressure within. The rattle is excessive valve clearances until the oil has re-pressurized the followers, resetting the correct clearance. A thinner grade oil is likely to cause this but if you have used the 0W40 as recommended, then the brand is pretty academic as long as you are using a leading manufacturer.
There are follower/tappet cleaners out there although unless your car his high mileage, I would be surprised if it was necessary.
Low oil level is another cause but you have checked that.
Other far rarer causes is oil starvation to the cylinder heads or camshaft wear but this is very unusual.
There are follower/tappet cleaners out there although unless your car his high mileage, I would be surprised if it was necessary.
Low oil level is another cause but you have checked that.
Other far rarer causes is oil starvation to the cylinder heads or camshaft wear but this is very unusual.
8Tech said:
Tappets that are noisy initially on start-up is almost always where the non return valves in the hydraulic, self adjusting followers are letting bye and losing pressure within. The rattle is excessive valve clearances until the oil has re-pressurized the followers, resetting the correct clearance. A thinner grade oil is likely to cause this but if you have used the 0W40 as recommended, then the brand is pretty academic as long as you are using a leading manufacturer.
There are follower/tappet cleaners out there although unless your car his high mileage, I would be surprised if it was necessary.
Low oil level is another cause but you have checked that.
Other far rarer causes is oil starvation to the cylinder heads or camshaft wear but this is very unusual.
Thank you 8Tech. Car is low mileage 34000km, so i will go back to the dealer and get them to confirm 0W40. I think the vantages take different oil to the DB9s so maybe the dealer has mixed them up. Will also double check level again when i get back home.There are follower/tappet cleaners out there although unless your car his high mileage, I would be surprised if it was necessary.
Low oil level is another cause but you have checked that.
Other far rarer causes is oil starvation to the cylinder heads or camshaft wear but this is very unusual.
I have little knowledge about V12, but I can remember mention of early model DB9s having two different length dip sticks. Think a shorter one was the replacement, to increase the oil level.
However, that is probably not relevant to you, because you noticed the noise only after servicing.
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