All,

I've got a slight problem with my cossie (4x4 RS Cosworth). I started it up the other day to take it for a spin, and let the engine warm up but after a couple of minutes the engine started making a slight tapping noise. I've checked the oil and that's right in the middle between minimum and maximum on the dipstick. I'm not sure about the oil pressure because i haven't had the gauge hooked up yet :-s I've never had this problem before and it started all of a sudden. Any suggestions???

 

How many miles has it done ?, most likely the tappets, a good blast should soon sort it.
What oil are you using ?
A lot of the "el cheapo" tappets do this after a little while, don't know if yours have been replaced recently ?
tabetha

 

Big end bearings?

 

Top ur oil up 2 the max mark.

 

Oil level will not affect it as it is enough to cover the pick up on low level.
BIG end bearings will be worse when first started, and they clank not tap.
tabetha

 

It's done 83k (mileage), as for oil i haven't topped it up as of yet as i've only had the car for about 3-4weeks. The engine itself is a recent rebuild and i've been informed by the previous owner that it's only done about 1k. Before i took it out last week i checked the oil level and it was just over maximum and now it's in the middle of minimum and maximum. The last owner told me to use Mobile 1 oil. The tapping noise started all of a sudden after a few minutes warming up so i'm a bit baffled....

 

Mobil 1 15W50 NOT 0w40 as some people do

 

could it possibly be sticky tappets???? Although i'm a bit apprenhensive to start it up again until i know for sure in case it causes more damage :-s

 

ive got a tapping noise. mine has been rebuilt recently and ive also changed the tappets since then to ina tappets. i posted a thread on the rsoc ages ago and loads of people have unknown tapping noises from cosies. one person said his head was warped that why his was tapping

 

Mobil 1 is crap for an engine with this mileage, use SILKOLENE PRO S from opie oils on here.
Just me personally but I would not even put Mobil 1 in my lawnmower.
If recently rebuilt may have used cheapo tappets, and not INA which are oe kit, and still only around the £80 mark.
I would firstly change the oil for above and watch the noise disappear, it will be perfectly safe to use until you get around to doing it as well, the hotter the better.
tabetha
ps a warped head cannot cause the noise.

 

change the lifters ti ina`s,tappets are funny at times my car and my mates both tapped like hell when first built,mine are now fine 2k on,his are still there but not as bad

if it comes and goes it will defo be tappets,bottom end noise is alot deeper noise


i remember having to do a set on a 4x4 saph i had and it cured it instantly

tappets have a mind of their own

 

piston slap!!!!!! can happen afta a rebild or can just suddenly happen

 

Piston does not suddenly happen or just after a rebuild.
It is caused by the rocking motion of the piston in the bore as it tries to rock under power stroke, was cured(pretty much) on 4x4 by offsettign change to wrist pin(gudgeon pin).
tabetha

 

tappets most defitily had the same problem!, and think may have the same problem. just had a rebuild, but i think the tappets replaced were with cheap ones (£80), and i think i can hear the noise comingback.