Rocker arm and push rods

Hi

I'm still trying to cure this tappet noise and gone through all the usual checks but still it stays, with the rocker cover over off I've notice that 6 of the 8 rotate while the engine is running and 2 not, i try and rotate them and they turn a little but then stop, i take it they should rotate and could this be my problem and can i fix it without taking the top of the engine and getting to the tappets.

Andy

Tappets are off set on cam so they rotate to even out wear. If the pushrods are not rotating that indicates wear in the tappets and/or cam lobs.

So its the top of the engine off jobby to check or replace the tappets unless there is a quick fix.

without replacing cam- hydraulic lifters are a waste of time.

Be aware there is a shimming and clearance check for hydraulic lifters

Handy Andy said:

So its the top of the engine off jobby to check or replace the tappets unless there is a quick fix.

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You will possibly find that the tappets have become dished. Cam lobes may also be unhappy. Depends how far they have worn, as to whether or not new tappets will do much good. If new tappets sort it you have gotten away with something. New tappets are a lot cheaper and a lot less work than a camshaft. Make sure they are well lubed with STP or Wynns.

wammers said:

You will possibly find that the tappets have become dished. Cam lobes may also be unhappy. Depends how far they have worn, as to whether or not new tappets will do much good. If new tappets sort it you have gotten away with something. New tappets are a lot cheaper and a lot less work than a camshaft. Make sure they are well lubed with STP or Wynns.

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variable experiences of 10-15k and back at same issue with just lifters

fanatic said:

variable experiences of 10-15k and back at same issue with just lifters

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Yep they won't last a long time. Old rule of thumb is never fit a new part that runs on an old part. If the tappets have dished then the cam lobes will have changed shape also.

So there is no quick fix cure it has to be the top of the engine off to look at the tappets as that looks a very big job

Handy Andy said:

So there is no quick fix cure it has to be the top of the engine off to look at the tappets as that looks a very big job

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Well they ain't going to mend themselves are they? You could always buy some ear plugs or turn the radio up.

The swarf from your declining cam lobes will wreck your rockers and rocker shafts, it'll also find its way into all the plain bearings.

Hi
Right I've dived in and taken the inlet manifold off to
Get to the tappets, on inspection I've noticed that the right hand tappets and rocker bank are very well lubricated and oily but the left tappets are very dry, so to me theres oil starvation, I've changed the oil a few times, had the sump off and cleaned it, replaced the oil pump and release valves, flushed the pipes through and the oil cooler is getting hot all over when the oil is up to temperature, so what else am i missing, would it be a good idea to blast air down the oil ports where the rocker arm sits or the ports where each of the tappets sit and see if i can dislodge any possible blockage.

Do you mean the rocker shaft is dry. There is only one oil feed to each side, up through front rocker pedestal. Make sure the rocker shaft is assembled correctly. Incorrect assembly will restrict oil flow. Make sure the oilway is clear and the feed hole on the shaft is not blocked.

Hi
Yes the rocker arm is dry compared with the right hand side one and its never been disassembled plus tappets on the left back were dry when you removed them compared to the opposite side.

try running it with that cover off to watch for oil flow
might be that the parts early in the oil path have a bit to much gap from wear and cause low pressure in that area, could be a blockage if sealant got in the oil way or even old degraded oil.

Handy Andy said:

Hi
Yes the rocker arm is dry compared with the right hand side one and its never been disassembled plus tappets on the left back were dry when you removed them compared to the opposite side.

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Never been disassembled by you maybe. But check that it is assembled correctly. If it's wrong it will restrict oil flow. A small hole will block a lot easier than a big one will. If it has been short of oil a long time it will be knackered anyway.

Will I've the car 12 years so not in that time it hasn't been disassembled but will blow air through the oil holes and see what i get
Cheers

Handy Andy said:

Will I've the car 12 years so not in that time it hasn't been disassembled but will blow air through the oil holes and see what i get
Cheers

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OK fair do's. If you find the oil feeds on both sides, if you blow into one you should get air out of the other. That will prove the feed as the same gallery feeds both sides. Then it's down to finding out why it's not going to the rocker. Maybe the other one is worn and taking all the pressure. But more likely a blockage in the dry one.

I wish Wammers lived near me I'd make him my best Range Rover Friend

I wish he lived nearer to me too lol and I'll give it a go and see what i find

Hi
Just a quick question when putting the new inlet manifold gasket on does it go on dry or with gasket sealent