Tapping noise from the engine? Please help.

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 11:57 am

Hi there. I have in the past couple of days noticed a tapping noise coming from the engine. It sounds like its the offside side of the engine. It isn't a knocking as such but a light tapping and increases with the revs. Has anyone any idea's of what it is, how to check what is it and how to get rid of it

Thanks
Steve

Post by **ASL642** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:23 pm

Could be your tappets need adjusting.

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:46 pm

Sounds interesting. I have just read my trusty handbook (by Kenneth Ball) and it explains about them. I learn something new everyday with this car and engine. I will follow that and have a go. Thanks for suggesting the problem ;)

Post by **simmitc** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:50 pm

Could also be the dynamo fan catching. Simple check, remove fan belt and restart engine. If noice persists then it's elsewhere, if noise gone then look at dynamo, water pump, and fan belt itself. The "offside" source suggests dynamo (or alternator if you have one of those fitted). Good luck.

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:51 pm

Ah right. Well I will have a hear again to see if its from the fan belt (i have just recently tightened it and the noise came?), I will then do what you suggest then go for the tappets if not.
Thanks

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:03 pm

So - you tightened the belt - and the 'tapping' started? Is that correct ? Take the belt off - is there any 'tapping ' now ? Inspect the belt carefully - look for crack/split - in fact - just fit a new one anyway!

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:53 pm

Well I noticed it on about Monday and I tightened the belt last week.
I will go check what you say now, it is luck that I have just been to the previous owners of the car to show them how it's come along since last year (when it was in the garage for the past 20 odd years) and he gave me a spare new fan belt he had in the garage for me .

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 6:45 pm

Run it first with NO belt on - won't do any harm for a minute or two - to see if it's silent! Could be broken belt - could also be bottom pulley falling apart - they do that from time to time !

Post by **simmitc** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 8:25 pm

Also, with the engine turned OFF and fan belt removed, try spinning the dynamo by hand to see if there's any noise. As BMC says, could also be bottom pulley. The crux is, does the noise go away with no fan belt? If so, then you're in the right area. The tightening linked with the noise certainly suggests this is the right place to look.

Post by **tingo** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 9:15 am

A few weeks ago I had something similar. The fan had started to catch the top hose from the radiator. After a lot of head scratching i pressed the top hose (gently) and the noise got louder. Be very careful where you place your fingers if you are going to try this.

Post by **ssnjimb** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 10:22 am

If you have to replace the water pump change the timing chain while you are at it as when i changed my water pump i removed the radiator.

Jamie

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 2:45 pm

Can't see how fan would be anywhere near top hose! Unless a non-standard fan. Bit of a giant step to go changing timing chain - just because the rad is out!

Post by **tingo** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 3:48 pm

i think they are a standard fan and hose. what clearance would you expect between them? i've adjusted the hose so there is about 5mm clearance

Post by **MarkyB** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 7:42 pm

5mm clearance doesn't sound like much.
Unfortunately I cant check as I'm miles away from my car but I'm thinking it should be more like an inch or two.
Why don't you post a picture?