Unusual engine sounds

[lamb125]

Have noticed that my engine (1.9 w/c DG) is sometimes more noisey than normal. The other day my neighbour even noticed and said the engine sounded different. Have noticed a loud 'tick tick' noise, but on another day it's much less noticable. It's strange. Apart from that, engine starts well from cold, idles smoothly, and pulls ok (well, as good as you can expect for a heavy old lump). Am definitely burning a bit of oil though so I don't push it too hard.

[bonehead76]

have you checked the oil level? .
sounds like the hydralic tappets are draining over night and until they fill back up are noisey. try using a engine flush( just follow what it says on tin something like add to oil and run at fast idle then drain when hot) and then do a oil and filter change.
if not they could need replacing but this will hurt your wallet.
hope this works.

[kevtherev]

It's the tappets and it's perfectly normal for an old flat four.
As said they drain with lack of use, poor oil condition or wrong oil grade used.
I use 15/40 in the winter and 20/50 in the summer (both mineral)

Time to change it and the filter I think.

[lamb125]

Thanks for the replies. Had oil & filter replaced approx. 3500 miles ago. I walk to work most days so the van does sit idle for up to a week at a time..and on a slight camber in the kerb outside (if that's of any significance?). I'm using the recommended oil grade, and because I'm topping probably every 300 miles (ish) it's being kept 'fresh' if that makes any sense.

[kevtherev]

I change mine top ups or not twice a year
oil is cheaper than engines
what grade oil are you using?

yes inclines and pavement parking will have an effect

[lamb125]

I was using mineral 15/40, but now using part-synthetic 15/40

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Please don't use semi synthetic.

Aircooled engines run best (IMHO) on either monograde HD 30 or a diesel 15/40.

Diesel oil contains detergent which keeps the engine internals nice and clean.

Change the filter and don't mix oils.

Cordialement,

[lamb125]

Thanks, but this one's a water-cooled petrol unit.

[R0B]

Dont be using semi synth anyway..

[fairwynds]

Dont be using semi synth anyway..

...why not semi? It exceeds the spec ... ?

[lamb125]

Yeah, I'm slightly confused now. Semi or Mineral? What's the concensus...er and what's the difference?

[R0B]

I have always been told to use mineral oil.And that has always been the general consensus on here.This is worth a read. https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Al ... ecommended

[lamb125]

Shame because I only recently bought 5 litres of semi 15/40 and have used a few litres of it. Probably best to put it aside, carrying out a change and stick to mineral for the future.

[R0B]

I hope you didnt mix the semi with mineral that might of already been in the engine.As that is a no no.As you say do a complete oil (And filter) change.

I only recently bought 5 litres of semi 15/40 and have used a few litres of it

[lamb125]

Gulp! Yes I have, but I will carrying out a change asap. Just hope my ignorance hasn't caused any terminal damage?