Are Noisy Mi16 Tappets Anything To Worry About?

[KRISKARRERA 2 1 Cars]

Are noisy Mi16 tappets anything to worry about?

 

For years I thought it was the flickering speedo cable making the sound but I replaced that recently and the noise is still there. And it's not injectors because the sound remains even with the foot off the gas.

Cambelt snapped in February 2004, maybe these engines tick like the gti6 lump does post cambelt snap.

Sometimes when I start the engine the tappets rattle very loudly for literally just a few secs, but it doesn't often do this.

I change the oil every 3 months no matter what.

[richsmells 2]

I guess the tappets are draining when the engine's off, but filling again once running. If the tapping's constant or goes on for a while you might have a sticky tappet refusing to fill?

 

Some useful info and images on PeterT's site:

 

http://www.taylor-eng.com/16v_head/16v_head.htm

Edited May 15, 2009 by richsmells

[welshpug 1,657]

the injectors will still tap even if you are off the throttle...

 

who rebuilt it when the belt snapped?

Edited May 15, 2009 by welshpug

[Cameron 16]

They shouldn't though should they? I thought the Mi cut the fuel on overrun. Unless your throttle switch isn't set properly.

[pug309twin40s 1]

miles rebuilt the engine in kris's car.

 

you checked the exhaust manifold isnt blowing or cracked?

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

Just be sure it is the tappets. I had an Mi that started tapping, I also thought it was the tappets. When it threw a rod and self destructed I found out it was actually a little end gone.........

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

I didn;t touch the head, It got done by some Fly by night garage who normally fix Tractors

[boombang 2]

What oil filter is it running?

[KRISKARRERA 2 1 Cars]

oh I dunno he couldn't have done too bad a job, it's still running 5 years later.

It's got a standard Pug main stealer oil filter. Exhaust manifold might be cracked I suppose. Should I be able to feel the air down there if it is?

It's been like this for years anyway, I was just a bit concerned when I realised the sound wasn't caused by the speedo cable rubbing.

[petert 586]

Could be worn cam lobes or worn lifters. The noise on start up is most likely caused by faulty non-return valves in the head. There's two. Most people don't replace these when reconditioning a head. According to Peugeot, I'm the only person who buys them in Sydney. Only by removing these can you be sure that swarf has not entered the oil galleries during the reconditioning process. You can only imagine where the swarf goes on start up, possibly blocking oil flow to a lifter, etc etc etc...........

Edited May 16, 2009 by petert

[KRISKARRERA 2 1 Cars]

Where in the head are these non-return valves? Would taking the cam cover off and having a look tell me anything about the condition of things?

[welshpug 1,657]

They're in the main oil feed from block to head, though I thought there was only one, but I've only looked for it on a later head.

 

Head off job to change them.

[KRISKARRERA 2 1 Cars]

Sod that then. Sounds like the opposite to false economy. Wonder if engine flush would help at all.

[DrSarty 90 1 Cars]

Sod that then. Sounds like the opposite to false economy. Wonder if engine flush would help at all.

 

I doubt it. Correctly functioning tappets/hydraulic lifters don't make any noise and are a function of an efficient lubrication system. One could interpret that IF it is the tappets (making your noise), then you have a flawed lubrication system which is only going to kill the engine eventually and cost you more in the long run. But then you should know this really...being Pitcrew .

 

(I couldn't bite my tongue any longer; and I don't give a crap who complains!)

[KRISKARRERA 2 1 Cars]

Oh well I've reported you yet again.

[DamirGTI 342]

Start up the engine and slide the stethoscope across the valve cover (or simply use screwdriver , put your ear on the handle and point the other end on the engine/valve cover) , if it's lifter or valve problem you'll be able to pin point position of the internal noises .. also whip off the valve cover , and check each lifter one by one , first turn/arrange the camshaft lobe off the lifter (set in on the base circle) and try to press the lifter down and try to rock it sideways as well (with the screwdriver or wooden stick ..) it shouldn't drop down excessively nor it shouldn't have slack while rocking it sideways ..

 

Cracked exhaust manifold or blown manifold to head gaskets also produce very similar tappet sound

 

Damir