1.9 dg 1986

[thebeach2008]

hi can anyone help with this strange proble, my van hasnt been used much in the last year or so, i had it mot new exhaust but driving to the mot garage about 15 miles away the tappets get really lound then quiten down then get lound, i brought it back from the mot center again same distance with the same proble, i have used it twice on a 30 mile return jouney and its doing it again, i am aware that when the engine hasnt been used for long the tappets have to refill, but i thought once they refilled they stayed like it, when the engine is quite it is very quite but just out of the blue they get noisy fo any time between 30 seconds to a few mins, any advise would be great, it was a gold seal engine around 20,000 miles ago, regular oil/filter changes mann filter morris oil, i have just re dont the oil and filter bon a short run 3 miles had the sam intermittent problem, many thanks gary ,in cornwall

[300CE]

Give the engine a run on the motorway for about half an hour, then another half hour around local roads and this should resolve the problem. These engines don't like to sit around and it's always worth giving it a weekly run if you know it's going to be unused.

[kevtherev]

The sporadic nature of the lifter noise is interesting.
I have only experienced this when the oil pick up pipe came loose and started the pump cavitating
This phenomenon introduces air into the oil pump
This air is no good for oil pressure.
The oil pressure maintains the oil in the lifter, without it, it empties, until the pressure is back.
I should point out this is my experience.

But I would suggest if this continues an oil pressure check would be a good idea
Preferably monitored during a drive.
Just to see if it fluctuates.

I can think of other ways in which the lifter could become noisy, but it may confuse things

[thebeach2008]

many thanks for that , , the pipe in question is it an internal pipe is there a way of installing oil pressure gauge into the system if so what switch would it have to be fitted to, the pipe in question is it an internal pipe

[itchyfeet]

I had this once with a solid tappet engine and it was bent pushrods.

[thebeach2008]

the strange thing i walked around the van today and they were all making the noise

[kevtherev]

Obvious things first
Have you changed the oil and filter?

I would be having the oil pressure checked at the lifter gallery. (Between #3 & #4)

[thebeach2008]

yep mann oil filter morris oil, its strange as when they go quite you cant hear a thing,would i be able to install a oil gauge using the blue switch plug, then wire a gauge into the van, to check the il pressure with a gauge do you know what the correct values should be

[kevtherev]

Yes we can tell you the correct values.
A "wet" gaige or mechanical gauge will give you a vaery accurate reading.
I have a wet gauge fitted permenantly to the blue oil pressure switch between the cylinders 3 & 4
Over 2500 rpm I get 45 psi hot engine at that switch. (Tappet gallery)
Using 20w/50 morris

The only time that starts to drop is if the engine gets hot.

[thebeach2008]

thanks for that that is a great help, may i ask do i need a special kit to fit one in the van or will any gauge work if it fits in the blue port i take it you leave the blue switch out and not put a t piece in, i think i like the idea to run one all the time
thanks again

[kevtherev]

My mechanical gauge is connected to a T piece that allows both the switch operation and the wet gauge.

The ptfe microbore pipe is just like a wire and is easily routed to the cab.
I have unashamedly become a gauge glancer.
It came into use one day, the oil light came on and the buzzer went off
I looked at the gauge and all was well.

Take a look at Demon Tweeks website

[thebeach2008]

that sounds perfect, someone had cut the wiring from the low pressure blue switch, i have a cut wire on the coil, and another coming out of the loom, do you have any idea how i connect the blue switch back up, otherwise when i fit a wet guage, i will not be able to use the blue switch thanks in advance cheers gary

[kevtherev]

There's a wiring diagram in the haynes
It'll give you a good idea what connects where

If you have never had a working blue switch (low pressure) light come on, then there's a possibility that you have been running around without knowing you've been damaging the engine

[thebeach2008]

thanks for that i will look, the engine onlyhas 20,000 on it but i must admit thats why i want to get the wiring sorted outthanks for all your help gary