Tappetty noise from engine

[ajsimmo]

I'm not so sure this is just a faulty follower. Re-reading, there's more to this. Remember that all the valves have clearance, ie they've been set wrong, as if they're solids. So what damage could have been done? The top of the follower looks ok, clip's in place, although there is a little chip in the side so it may have been running with the pushrod out of the cup for ages, and then it's dropped in, leaving the sudden massive clearance? Then, the reason the follower is spongy is that it can't pump up if the piston isn't under any preload - there may be nothing wrong with that follower after all!
What I'd do is...
Before removing the pushrod tube, put it back together and set all the valve preloads to 1.5 turns. See how it runs (may take a while to get it to run on 4 cylinders - this is normal as they have to bleed down until the valves all close when they should).

[itchyfeet]

Worth a go but could it really have been running on the edge so long?

you can't set preload on a spongy tappet i.e one with air inside so what I have done before is just set to same number of threads as others.

Worth seeing if the tappet is hard or spongy, if its hard it implies you are right Andrew.

put a push rod back in and press on it, it should be solid no movement.

[ajsimmo]

you can't set preload on a spongy tappet

Yes, it can be done spongy. You just need a fine fingertip feel. I make sure the pushrod is correctly seated, then keep very light finger pressure on the bottom of the rocker arm. Turn the adjuster screw in gently until just touching (with your fingers if possible), then turn it in the 1.5 turns and lock.
It should then pump itself up correctly (but it may take at least 20 mins first time, then a while every cold start until it beds in to the new setting)

Worth seeing if the tappet is hard or spongy, if its hard it implies you are right Andrew.

I would expect the opposite. Earlier the OP said that the follower is spongy. It probably won't sort itself out until subjected to the reciprocating motion under preload. With 4 (or 7) mm clearance, it's barely opening the valve so is never under enough load for long enough to purge the airlock.

[itchyfeet]

. Earlier the OP said that the follower is spongy. .

sorry long time since I read the first bit.

Yes I suppose there is some spring tension so you could set preload when spongy, a bit hard to see where is rest position, some experience probably helps, I will try it.

good tip

[itchyfeet]

just remembered these pics, shows if pushrod is seated or on edge of tappet when at the 'just touching' stage of adjustment



if its not seated release rocker shaft and using a lever here lift the pushrod, unfortunately another may pop out so don't release shaft more than needed.

[neil1967]

Hello

Firstly thanks for all the advice and apologies
for time it takes with progress, but I'm
working shifts at the moment.
I put push rods back in and adjusted as per
advice, ran engine for half an hour was very
lumpy. It then settled down and tappet noise
disappeared..
Ran again after an hour and tappet noise has
gone. I will re check clearances again tomorrow
and report back.

Thanks neil

[itchyfeet]

Great news Neil and great 8090 team work to arrive at the conclusion

What I find particularly impressive is a professional like andrew from Campershack taking time out from his business to help for free.

[neil1967]

Hello

Re checked ckearances today and alls fine
running like it used to do.(touchwood)
The help and advice has been amazing
from members in particular Kev, itchy and
Ajsimmo who have taken time out to help
me.

Thanks once again Neil

[ajsimmo]

Fantastic result. Happy days!
Thanks Itchy, I'm happy to help when I can. Don't have much time atm, but this one was bothering me. Always nice to see it resolved, thanks for the update Neil.

PS I can't resist an ITYS