Noisy tappets

[Juuls]

Hi all.
Had a replacement 1.9DG engine from The Engine Shop via Cool Air website fitted last year (and lovely Stainless steel exhaust system from VW Speedshop). The mechanic (Audi/VW specialist) did a great job. 500 miles running it in and it bedded down lovely with no issues. Over the last few months the tappets seem to be getting noisier. Took it back to the mechanic who (as instructed by The Engine shop) flushed engine oil and changed using 15w40 grade oil and rechecked the tappet settings. The mechanic doesn't seem overly concerned and perhaps it's just me being paranoid but the tappets do seem rather noisy. The funny is, when the engine is cold it runs quietly and then when warmed up after a journey the tappet noise seems to increase. Any ideas? Or just me being crazy?

[what2do]

Bizarre. My tappets become noisy if I leave it too long before changing the oil. Obviously I try and change it regularly but sometimes it may have to wait a couple of weeks or more due to other committements. In fact, the engine has been letting me know for the last fortnight that it needed fresh oil, changed it on Sunday night and the noise disappears 'just like that' - Tommy Cooper style!

Could it be that the oil wasn't changed as stated? Just a thought. It'll only cost you £15 for new oil to disprove my thoughts. Good luck.

[kevtherev]

Are your journeys longer than 30 mins?
Were the hydraulic lifters replaced with new?
What "adjustments" were made?

the engine should sound like two grandmas kitting when its warm.
Noise would suggest the tappets (hydraulic lifters) are at worst past their best or poorly adjusted.

[Juuls]

Having looked on Youtube at T25 engines running, some of 'em do sound a right racket! Our van is driving well and is sprightly enough if you put your foot down. Could be my usual van neuroses and paranoia……where any squeak,knock, bang or dodgy smell signalling some imminent disaster! The joys….the joys….

[Juuls]

The engine spec for our replacement engine states: Reground crankshaft, new main bearings, new camshaft,new camshaft bearings,new cam followers, new barrels, new pistons with rings, new gudgeon pins, new front and rear oil seals, new oil pump, replaced flywheel, new spark plugs, new gaskets, crack tested crankcase and remanufactured cylinders heads.

[kevtherev]

Ok
Well if the followers were new they should be two turns in from zero lash.
ATDC firing stroke