33 replies to this topic

[dotnose2]

hi guys my 2000 mpi has been sitting in the garage for around 2 months, started it up and theres a loud ticking type noise coming from the engine.. ive not touched anything and its only done 16k miles.. anyone got any ides what it could be?
cheers

[jaydee]

Spark plugs that are calling out for replacement or its just the tappets that needs adjusting.

[dotnose2]

ok thanks, i think its about time i invested in a haynes manual as im not sure how to adjust them and what to. also i can rock the engine back and forth slightly, will this be anything to do with the noise? is that even ment to happen?

[brad-the-bear]

would it be possible to upload a video of the sound?

[dotnose2]

yeah ill get one up tomorrow, hopefully help the diagnosis

[jamesmpi]

if you can rock your engine back and forth then you should replace your top engine steady bushes....and whilst you are at it you may as well check your bottom engine steady too as they might also need replacing (assuming the bushes are the same age)

This will not solve the ticking noise, but if you drive with worn bushes then you could cause problems for your exhaust.

[hobnob888]

It's a pipe bomb....

[dotnose2]

cheers Jamesmpi ill check them tomorow..
haha i hope not Hobnob888!

here a video i took earlier, engine was fairly cold but theres hardly any difference when it up to temp..

[brad-the-bear]

when was your last oil change and what oil did you use? also when did you last set your tappets?

[dotnose2]

oil change when i bought it in April, cant remember the name but it was 20/40 from my local rover/MG garage.. Ive never set the tappets myself and there's nothing in service history about them being done so im assuming never.. doubt ill get a chance this weekend but when i do im going to give it ago and see what happens. how often do they need to be done? its only done 16k..

Edited by dotnose2, 20 September 2012 - 08:37 PM.

[hobnob888]

Try this, start her up and let her idle, if you hear it, just press down the clutch and back up it may get rid of the ticking...as it may be slack, i had this problem too

Edited by hobnob888, 20 September 2012 - 08:32 PM.

[MiniElliott]

Have you checked the exhaust mainfold and the gasket. If it is leaking it can create a loud ticking sound that is often mistaken for tappets. I actually have this problem and it sounds just like yours in the video. I assume my manifold has warped somehow on the mating surfaces as if I use some sort of exhaust paste I can stop the leak/ticking. If your engine steadies have some play your engine could have bent the manifold or split the gasket.

It may not be the problem you have but its definatley worth looking into.

Elliott

[dotnose2]

ill give it a try hobnob888 thanks
thanks for your advice Elliot, how can i check if my manifold and gasket are leaking?

[jamesmpi]

Sometimes you can smell the exhaust gases leaking from the manifold or you can use some tissue paper and hold it near the head where the manifold mates the head. The tissue paper will move by the escaping gases.....obviously is this quite dangerous if your manifold is hot.

I would be inclined to check your valve clearences too

[dotnose2]

thanks mate ill give it ago and see if its blowing, yeah im going to check and adjust if needed at same time.. hopefully resolve the issue