Ticking noise

[phil]

Hello All,

Ive noticed recently that my TC is making a ticking noise which is quite noticeable when driving, it rises and falls with engine speed, I suspect its the timing chain, hopefully just needs adjusting, any ideas?
Thanks    Phil

[4129R]

Timing chain is normally a rattle, quite loud even on tick-over.

Ticking is normally tappet clearance in my experience.

[Roger]

Another vote for tappet. Out with the feeler gauges!

[cwtech]

Ticking could be from an exhaust leak at one of the head ports.

Use a piece of hose held to your ear to try to pinpoint the source of the noise.

[Bainford]

If it is tappets then get it seen to right away. As Roger said, time to get the feelers out. Checking the clearance on these engines is easy (adjusting it is a bit less so). It may be a good idea to buy a new cam cover gasket if you are unsure of the condition of your current one. If you do, be sure you get a Europa specific gasket. I bought a couple from Dave Bean a few years ago but they were a thin composite gasket that would have crushed the AFT cam seal if I attempted to use them.

Did this problem pop up suddenly? My first thought was an exhaust leak at the cylinder head/manifold joint, as cw suggested above. If so it will be heard when the throttles are opened up (accelerating or under load) and not noticed when they are shut or quiescent.

[phil]

Hello all,

Never anything simple is it!!  The garage doing the work have found out that one inlet valve cannot get any clearance at all, head is now off having new seats, correct valves fitted (someone had used the wrong length valves at some point and also ground the head bolts in various places for some reason so they would fit. Also various parts have been filed and lots of grinder marks on them!!
Hopefully should all be good when re-assembled.
Will keep you posted.
Phil