Tappets not refilling

[Robmk1]

The 1.8 k series has hydrolic tappets i'm told (don't a great deal about engines, just as long as they go!) and i'm told they should self adjust by refilling with oil once the engines warms up, and that once they have warmed up the tappet noise should stop.

Once my engine is warm the tappet noise is still loud and this doesn't go away. Could this be anything else other than tappet noise?

[Bonce]

If it's any consolation, I have exactly the same problem (on my unmodified VVC engine).

I've asked several mechanics about it and they've all told me not to worry. It's a horrible noise though, makes the car sound really cheap.

[Kensai]

Mine too - I was told it's perfectly normal...

[fergusd]

It's not normal, just common. If it were normal all engines would do it !

It's costly to repair as it's very difficult to determine what follower is at fault, so most people would replace them all, never mind the cylinder head strip required to get at the followers.

Fd

[Robmk1]

Thanks , at least i know its not going to go boom any time soon. Its a pity the engine is so hard to work on, cos my bro-in-law could easily strip the engine and fix the rattle .