166 2.0 T-Spark Tapping

I have noticed a loud mechanical tapping on acceleration, this occurs even if the engine is hot or cold. I am not losing oil or water & acceleration is still smooth and positive. Any ideas? I think it may be the tappets as the noise appears to be coming from the top of the engine. Is this a major problem? My mileage is 49,000 which seems very low in my opinion for mechanical noises

probably the variator on its way out - does it sound like a diesel engine? If it's the tappets then i'm not sure....could be a symptom of oil starvation earlier in the engine's life but that probably me just scare mongering

Originally Posted by niallmoran

probably the variator on its way out - does it sound like a diesel engine? If it's the tappets then i'm not sure....could be a symptom of oil starvation earlier in the engine's life but that probably me just scare mongering

Thanks Niall will check this out.

does it have tappets? Surely they are hydraulic cam followers? I've not heard of this. Think wear at 49000 should be minimal.

Niall, Does an oil change cure the variator problem sometimes, at least for a while?

i've heard it can help, especially if you use an engine flush. Didn't help mine though but it only rattles for a second when its started from hot so i'm gonna leave it until the next cam belt change.....

Hydraulic tappets/followers can get rattly when they get worn - had an old rover 820 that rattled like nobody's business

Originally Posted by niallmoran

Hydraulic tappets/followers can get rattly when they get worn - had an old rover 820 that rattled like nobody's business

And you publicaly admit owning one......

You deserve to have a rattle.

I wouldn't expect the cam followers to wear by 49K - unless they have been oil starved...... anyone feel a TS cold sweat coming on....

hehe - much under rated cars actually, especially the turbo vitesse models (200+bhp). Was always fun blowing away silly boy racers in a grandad car

Well i admit I did briefly (very briefly) look at a 620 turbo.....

same engine in the 620 but not as cool as the 800....hehe