Engine Tapping

[Dave]

Hi guys,

When I drive past walls, parked cars, etc. I can hear a tapping noise reflecting back off them. I'm assuming it's just the tappets/rockers that need adjusting, but thought best to see if there was another explanation for it before I started pulling things apart as I had a Diesel VW Transporter that had a constant tap but that was due to the mechanical brake servo, not the tappets.

It's def coming from the engine as it increases speed as the engine speed increases and also does it when stationaly and just reving the engine, so doesn't appear to be drivetrain related.

Cheers,
Dave

[docsavage]

Check your exhaust manifold gasket. Mine was ticking for a long time and I traced it to the rear cylinder exhaust gasket having a hole. It eventually gets louder as the gasket breaks down.

James

[Dave]

Cool, cheers. I'll get underneath and check it out.

Cheers,
Dave

[quadzilla]

Could also be related to your turbo with the bearing in the turbo hitting the impeller, which is heard when driving by walls etc.

[Dave]

Could also be related to your turbo with the bearing in the turbo hitting the impeller, which is heard when driving by walls etc.

Hmm, I'm assuming that's bad then? It still makes the tapping at idle though, so I'm assuming the turbo won't be spinning then(?).

[CVI]

Do you hear it at idle too? Big possibility it's your valve clearances. Adjustment is set at 0.010 inch for both intake and exhaust. Check rocker arm rollers too for excessive play. Check camshaft nose for wear.

[Dave]

Do you hear it at idle too? Big possibility it's your valve clearances. Adjustment is set at 0.010 inch for both intake and exhaust. Check rocker arm rollers too for excessive play. Check camshaft nose for wear.

Cheers mitsubc,

I figured it was the likey culprit, but thought best to check it wasn't a common noise. I'll get the old feeler gauges out and try the valve clearances and see if that helps.

Cheers