Tappet Noise

[alatty]

Got a noise that comes from my S2 RaceTech that sounds like it's a tappet. Sometimes when I start it it's not there and other times it is. It does not matter if it is hot or cold. I've notice there are two types of standard tappets which can be fitted to the K series engine. The difference being the hole for the oil. My theory is that mine has the early ones and depending on the position of camshafts when the engine stops effects whether the oil flows out of the tappet, which would fit in with the noise not being consistant. Mind you I might be wrong.

If i need to change them do I need to take the head off or can the camshafts and tappets be removed with the head left on. Is there anyway of checking which type of tappets are fitted from the engine number ?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Alex

[Buster44]

Cams & tappets can be removed with the head in situ.

My old S2 did a similar thing with a ticking noise until the tappets had pumped up. Does your noise disappear within a couple minutes of starting up?

Most types of hydralic tappets can be taken apart and cleaned internally which will then reduce the ticking.

[alatty]

thanks for the reply, appreciated.

The noise disappears after about 800 yards ro a couple of minutes. A couple of times I've slowed down to a halt and the noise has started even with the engine hot. The fact I can remove the cam and followers with the head in situ is good news. Apparently the early followers suffered from something call "Aeration" and the new followers with a different hole in it solved the problem. (I think). Problem is I don't know what followers are fitted and knowing my luck when I get them out they'll probably be the newer ones. Anyway think I'll strip the thing down this weekend and have a look.

[sja]

Bit off topic but my S2 111s is now three montsh old and I'm sure the engine is sounding rougher.. Like a bl**dy diesel, not just when cold but idling anytime. Im loathe to go to dealer to hear "there all like th..."

Anyone else motor like this?

[alatty]

Is the noise on all the time. Mine can be quiet like a turbine for few days then the noise will return then go away again. Hopefully I'll get a look at what is going on when I strip it this week. I'll give you an update.

[alatty]

Ha Ha, taken the camshafts out and removed the cam followers. 15 of them are solid when you press the centre inside, well nearly solid, a little oil comes out of the hole in the side. one of them is extremely spongey. I suspect that's the problem as it doesn't sound like 15 of them are off. I'll double check with someone who knows then source one which are £8, put it all back together and hi presto no noise, I hope.

Sja (Steve) see you live in Newcastle from you're profile, I'm in cramlington. You're quite welcome to come over and have a look at it in bits if you want. Just le me know via the profile and click to email me. Providing I get the parts it sould be back together by Sunday.

[alatty]

Bought a follower from redmansenginecentre.co.uk (excellect service) Put it in , all back togheter and guess what, no noise. Hope it's fixed, time will tell although it looks promising. One thing I learnt doing this you can actually diagnose if a follower is faulty with the camshafts in place. Rotate the camshaft so there is no pressure on the follower you want to check, then press with your finger really hard, if there is no movemenet then it's okay, if there's a small amount i.e spongy then it's potentially US. This diagnostic tecnique would have identifed the faulty follower in my case. Although I still would have had to remove the camshatfs to solve the problem. So all in all it cost me £10, god knows how much it would have cost at a lotus dealer.