7A Engine very ticky

[b3robo]

Greetings all, got a funny noise coming from my head after its warmed up.

Recently had a new Bosch Dizzy curtosey of Robert Cockings, timing chain, belt and water pump done as well to cure a very nasty sounding engine, basically sounded like a bag of bolts when warm.

It sounds much better after all above was done but is still ticking quite loudly from one of the cylinders when its warmed up, around 2000rpm and upwards. I suppose it could be a tappet/lifter? I did a bit of reading and another cause mentioned was the manifold gasket. I know the rocker cover is a bit poor but is holding pressure alright so would this be an easy fix? Maybe an oil additive/change?

I gave it a small service last October so I might try putting some fresh oil in to see if it goes away, covered less than 1000 miles since then in it.

I'm not a mega-home DIY mechanic, don't have access to a garage and limited space to store things so doing anything myself is difficult at best. Luckily RC motors is not too bad a drive away from me and there's a good specialist garage down in Christchurch i've been using and they're quite good.

Any thoughts?

[Ruffiano]

pretty common with these cars, try adding another half quart of oil to see if that quiets down. if not, you probably have some tired lifters that need replacement.

[simon20vq]

Rocker cover gasket is a real pain to do if the inlet manifold bolts snap(6mm allen key heads). soak them with wd40 the night before. Has a follower ran dry of oil?

[driftin jo]

have you done an oil change ?

what oil is in it ?

[b3robo]

Last oil change was in October, they checked the sparks and filters and said they looked very good still so left them in. will give it another one soonish, Topped it up with some semi synth oil as it was a bit low, blew a load of white smoke after so probably put too much in and its burnt it off, not smoking anymore. I used Mobil 10w40 semi synth for a top up, the garage put 10w30 in.

It could be a noisy tired tappet then.

Thanks for the advice

Robster

[TimE-J]

i dont know if Im right or not but I would have thought that 10w30 would be abit thin tbh.

[Tonks4x4]

i dont know if Im right or not but I would have thought that 10w30 would be abit thin tbh.

I agree synthetic oil I have found far to thin for the 20v. I have used Valvoline 15w40 in high mileage 7a's. Gives real good oil pressure and tends to be much quieter after very enthusiastic driving :thumbs

[b3robo]

Isn't that more suited to Diesel engines?

[Tonks4x4]

Isn't that more suited to Diesel engines?

It's Valvolines advanced oil for both Petrol and Diesel, turbo and non turbo engines.
Grades of this oil come in 10w40, 15w40, 15w50, 20w50. But the last two are too thin again.

I have had loads of problems in the past with 7A burning oil when running on fully synthetic.

http://www.valvolineeurope.com/UploadedFiles/1723.pdf

[simon20vq]

Only use semi synthetic mine used alittle oil but that was mainly when you were giving it full revs. Are you sure its a cam follower is the engine running hotter than normal? Have you run out of fuel lately?

[b3robo]

Temp is fine, I did run it low the other week but not completely out of juice. I'll change it over to 15w40 next service then.

The sound comes from one of the cylinders only, otherwise engine runs very well after its warmed up.

Thanks all for the advice

[Jamin]

Audi says run the engine up to temp until the rad fan kicks in, then hold the revs at 2500 for two mins.
I did this the other day to my rattling 7a, and coming up to the two minute mark, just before I lifted my foot off the gas, all the tappets went quiet

[b3robo]

Sounds like a plan! think i'lll need to put more fuel in it again

Tried it now, still tappety tap. maybe an oil change I will do