R53 Engine issues. help?

[S3_Graham]

Morning Guys,

Just got back from a euro road trip. Car performed faultlessly other than the air con failing.

however the last 2 mornings I noticed that the car had used coolant, odd as these were the cold places (France 25*) it was rock solid in the hot places (Italy 40*).

Topped it up and thought nothing of it. I'd been doing 400mile 5-6 hour drives.

Drove it for the first time again yesterday, water and oil were a touch low so topped both up. Car was perfect yesterday.

Started it this morning and it was running on 3 cylinder and tappety noise from engine. Off straight away. Back on and its the same. Topped up all the fluids.
Still have only put about 750ml of water in from the last 800miles and a total of 2L oil in the last 2200 miles.

started it and with a slight rev the rough running goes. Its still tapping lots though.

Any ideas or suggestions? My guy reaction was head gasket. No mayo on the dip stick or oil filler though. I know it has a slight weep from the sump which explains the oil usage. No smoke or steam from the exhaust.

[S3_Graham]

I have Factory Sat Nav so no temp gauge at all! Not really worried about the oil useage as it has been using oil since I got it, the rate hasn't changed. There has been no marks or evidence of coolant leakage. One thing of note is that 3 days before leaving the fan shroud was replaced, not sure if this meant messing about with the Rad at all? Perhaps im fighting an air lock?

I've tried calling the specialist I use for the car 4 times today. He is always a Nightmare to get hold of....

I tried a bit more investigation however.

Ran it for a minute or 2, the rough running has gone completely. The tapping went completely after about 2 mins or so. Drove it round the block, all seemed fine but upon parking again I can hear the tappety noise, not as loud mind but its there and doesn't sound 100% happy. Its definitely coming from the top end of the engine, not supercharger.

Im not convinced its water related, After it got hot in Italy the water level stayed rock solid on full for another maybe 5-600 miles.

until I can get hold of the guy to get it looked at im kinda stumped. Luckily I have a second car to run around in.

[S3_Graham]

strangely enough, my fan speed resistor failed just prior to the trip and it ran on 100% constantly. Killing the Battery.

I had the fan shroud (where its built in) replaced before I left.


Spoke to a mechanic buddy of mine. He suggested that it might be a bit of crud in the oil has got a tappet stuck. Apparently with the huge usage I've just put on it, it's not unheard of. Engine flush and new oil/filter may fix.

may still just drop it at specialist.

just spoke to specialist. He thinks could be a chain tensioner.

Edited by S3_Graham on Friday 31st July 09:30

[S3_Graham]

appears I over reacted. Guy just called. Its a sticky tappet. Has actually cleared itself after a run. Not doing it anymore but he's advised an engine flush just to make sure it isn't a bit of crud floating about.

Result!!!