Camshaft & Stage Two Head
Posted 06 November 2014 - 06:31 PM
Hi folks,
When I start my car from cold, it makes a ticking noise, it's a bit like a valve clearance that's set too wide, but I have checked them all and they are all fine. Goes away after a minute or so and then it's quiet thereafter. Can't think what it could be. I've run the car with the rocker cover off and I can see that everything is getting bathed in plenty of oil. Don't have an oil pressure guage in yet, so can't say what pressure I have. Any thoughts?
Mini Mad
Posted 06 November 2014 - 07:28 PM
What grade/type of oil are you using ??
Super Mini Mad
Posted 06 November 2014 - 07:30 PM
Where did my post go? 
. Oh yes, I forgot. This is the 'technical' forum. The black hole of anything remotely humorous 
. Keep it dull mods!
Edited by Miniminx71, 06 November 2014 - 08:31 PM.
I do not have short legs!!!
Posted 06 November 2014 - 07:32 PM
Most engines sound a bit more tappetty when cold as when the engine warms up, all the components expand which quietens everything up. and brings everything to within tolerances.
I would be prepared to bet it's absolutely fine and normal.
As above though, what oil are you using?
Camshaft & Stage Two Head
Posted 06 November 2014 - 09:02 PM
HI, sorry should have given more details. It's a '92 SPi cooper, and its running Halfords classic 20/50. It's definitely not just the normal mini tapetty sound though, it's quite a pronounced ticking sound, although I do suspect it's something in the valvetrain that goes away once it heats up and expands, just can't think what. I'll maybe video it and post it next time it's cold started.
One Carb Or Two?
Posted 06 November 2014 - 09:55 PM
electric fuel pump?
Do the SPIs have a stepper motor? Something to do with the cold running system?
Camshaft & Stage Two Head
Posted 06 November 2014 - 10:26 PM
Nah, it's definitely top end engine noise. Yes the SPI's do have steppers, but it's not that, it's basically like the usual tappet noise, but if you imagine one that's got the gap too large. Then after a minute or two it just goes quiet. It sounds quite like this mini on youtube, although as I say it is only a temporary sound :
On Sabbatical
Posted 07 November 2014 - 07:47 AM
You don't escape that easily.....
Posted 07 November 2014 - 09:10 AM
Camshaft & Stage Two Head
Posted 07 November 2014 - 11:10 AM
Spark plugs are all nice and snug. Injector is an interesting possibility. I'll just need to poke around a bit more I guess.
You don't escape that easily.....
Posted 07 November 2014 - 12:41 PM
The other option is a very slight blow in manifold/gasket, which seals up when it expands. Would expect it to sound a lot louder though. BUT, I've known both spark plugs being loose and the manifold gaskets blowing slightly to cause a similar sound to that shown in the video.
Camshaft & Stage Two Head
Posted 07 November 2014 - 01:46 PM
That sound is ( i would say ) is tappet noise, or even a worn cam lobe?
I do not have short legs!!!
Posted 07 November 2014 - 04:35 PM
I had that exact sound in my SPi, it's a different engine so may not be relevant. But when I changed the head gaskets the noise went away. I suspect it was the inlet manifold gasket.
You don't escape that easily.....
Posted 07 November 2014 - 04:48 PM
Get a piece of wood (like a 50cm long piece of 1" x 1" pine or something) put one end against your engine and one end against your ear. Cover the other ear. Place the free end of the piece of wood on various parts of the engine and you can isolate the area the noise is coming from a little. You can use a big screwdriver or similar too.
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