Cam followers / Tappets

[wasted]

'Lo all...

I'm planning on replacing the tappets in the Scala because they've started to tap intermittently even when the car's warmed up.

I found these on eBay, which sound like a decent price:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HYDRAULIC-FOLLOWE ... 5ad20ebfc1

The advert lists them as being suitable for the DX engine, but specifies 8 required. This confuses me, because I could have sworn I only took 4 out last time I lifted out the camshaft. My memory is, however, shocking, and I'd rather buy the right number - so how many do I actually need?

On a related note, given that they're tapping when the car's warm, could this possibly point to an issue with oil pressure? I have no gauge unfortunately, but the oil pressure light hasn't lit up as yet and the oil level is fine (I'm currently running 15/40 high mileage GTX oil).

Not much point in replacing the tappets if the problem is the oil pump - if the problem could be the pump, is there any way to check how well it's running aside from connecting an oil pressure gauge?

[walkinginperu]

Definitely 8 tappets (one per valve). Low oil pressure is one possible cause, another is the tappets being gummed up with crap and oily deposits. It's quite easy to strip down and refurbish them, I've just done it to mine (can't tell if it's worked yet because my engine is still in bits!). A slightly thicker oil like your high mileage one might help as it will increase the localised pressure in the tappets and help them to lift.

[wasted]

Could be quite pricey to replace all eight then... Might try giving them a clean and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for the help. Any way of testing the oil pump?

[walkinginperu]

That's quite pricey for one tappet. Sets pop up on ebay quite regularly for around £30-£40, which is a bit more like it. GSF might do you a big fat discount if you have a chat, always works for me

[LEEP]

£85 from euro car parts for a full set

[wasted]

Sounds like a plan - got GSF up the road, actually. I'll give it a try ;)

[LEEP]

i think there about the same price and if your a paid up member you get 10% discount

[walkinginperu]

I get better than trade at gsf. if you're in there a fair bit for bits then they get to know you and give you way more than the 10% club discount.

[MikeH]

[grolsch mode] Schtop! These tappets are not done yet! [/grolsch mode]

Put a litre of ATF in your oil, run it for a couple of hundred miles (and be gentle with it) then change the oil and filter.

If the engine is really gunked up, you might have to do it more than once, but it normally cures noisy tappets. ATF has detergents in it, which disperse the old muck and oil deposits in your engine.

[wasted]

Mike - I had planned to try that, until I read about someone who tried it and found that the detergent got rid of almost too much gunk - this resulted in his engine pissing oil out through the resulting gaps in gaskets that had opened up. On the other hand, it has been recommended by a lot of people. Where would I get the stuff?

[jbo]

[grolsch mode] Schtop! These tappets are not done yet! [/grolsch mode]

Put a litre of ATF in your oil, run it for a couple of hundred miles (and be gentle with it) then change the oil and filter.

If the engine is really gunked up, you might have to do it more than once, but it normally cures noisy tappets. ATF has detergents in it, which disperse the old muck and oil deposits in your engine.

I had a friend who drank a litre of atf fluid once and it cleaned his insides out pretty good. Would prob do tappets too ha lol

[wasted]

Just realised what ATF stands for - ignore my stupid question! Will give it a try this weekend ready for an oil change next weekend I think!

[Funky Diver]

Automatic Transmission Fluid?

[wasted]

Got it in one - unlike me ;)

[MikeH]

Mike - I had planned to try that, until I read about someone who tried it and found that the detergent got rid of almost too much gunk - this resulted in his engine pissing oil out through the resulting gaps in gaskets that had opened up. On the other hand, it has been recommended by a lot of people. Where would I get the stuff?

GSF / Any motor factors.

If the only thing that's holding your gaskets together is dirt, then you might find you leak more oil afterwards. I've never had that problem though.