noisy cylinder

[JNW]

One of the cylinders in my 2.1dj makes a very rattly noise when it's been left a while. Goes after about an hour, but never totally. It's a recon engine.
Is it:
A) bad
B) easily repaired
C) ) anything I should worry about?
Thanks

[kevtherev]

B.
one of your hydraulic tappets is leaking down in no.1 , usualy happens through lack of use

remedy:-

use the van more.

[JNW]

Ok!

Any other remedies?

J

[kevtherev]

change the oil twice a year.
use 15w/40 mineral

[JNW]

I manage once a year.

Magic squirt juice of any sort?

[kevtherev]

nope.
but clean fresh oil will help fill the lifter quicker.

regarding the fact that the noise does not completely go away would suggest
some readjustment to the noisy one.
When lifters start to get noisy it would be prudent to remove all the variable reasons before moving on to replacement.
So changing the oil more would be one of those variables.

Take a look here and learn about lifters
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[JNW]

That's a great read, thanks.

Sounds like I've got one that needs adjusting. It's noisy for about a hour of driving a then quickly becomes noisy again when the van is left.

Can the adjustment be done with the engine in? How many garage-hours would you reckon? I'm worried it's a bit of an expert job.

Thanks

[kevtherev]

That's a great read, thanks.

Sounds like I've got one that needs adjusting. It's noisy for about a hour of driving a then quickly becomes noisy again when the van is left.

Can the adjustment be done with the engine in? How many garage-hours would you reckon? I'm worried it's a bit of an expert job.

Thanks

yes it can be done with the engine in
It must be done according to Ratwell advice.
It should take no more than an hour.
You should be able to do this yourself.

please note that a couple of oil changes may well cure it anyway

Be prepared for replacement.
This can be done with the engine in and without head removal.
However a garage will probably not do this.
So if the garage do it, replacing one is silly, you really ought to replace the whole side (4 lifters)

By the way, what grade oil are you using?

[JNW]

I'm using the prescribed oil.
Would the recon engine had new lifters fitted?

[kevtherev]

I doubt it.