Tappet Rattle When Hot But Goes Away On Restart?

[Gaz205 50]

My 1600 GTI seems to suffer from an odd issue. Once the engine is nice and warm and if I drive with any kind of enthusiasm I begin to hear what sounds identical to tappets from an old 1100 fiesta... However... If I turn off and restart the car immediately the noise is gone.

If I drive the car keeping the revs below 3k I can drive all day and it doesn't make the noise.

It's had valve cleaner in it and 10w 30 (or 40) can't remember now, but hasn't altered it.

Any suggestions? I was thinking sticky valve initially. For info the oil pressure light never illuminates and the guage although inaccurate is always 50-75%

Thanks

Gaz

[pugdamo 111 2 Cars]

May be a cracked/blowing exhaust manifold,this can sound very similar to a tappet noise.

[Gaz205 50]

Thanks pugdamo - this has been checked and it's not cracked, it's been taken off and I've even had a new cone gasket put in the down pipe to be sure

[jackherer 543]

Manifold was my first thought too. Also injectors can make a lot of noise. You should try a mechanics stethoscope or a long screwdriver on it to hear where it is coming from

[Gaz205 50]

I've specifically asked my mechanic to check the manifold and he said it's ok - I understand the noise is the same with the tapping, it's the restart and it's gone that is baffling me... The mechanic thinks it's something in the head but can't justify stripping it when there is no change in how it drives... It's going back to him soon for the cam belt I can but ask that he digs a bit deeper into it.

It clearly can't be a common fault which is what I was hoping for!

Thanks for the suggestions though