Ticking sound V8 3.9

Opel-V8 · Post by **Opel-V8** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 7:21 pm

Hello England

Now I have gradually worked a lot on my problem without success. so I hope I can get some help here. My problem is that my engine has a metallic ticking sound " only when its hot " that follows rpm. The first thing I did was change my lifters with a new set, I figured that was wrong with one or more of them. It was a little better but not good still ticking.

when my engine is cold, there is no ticking sound, it sounds just perfect

but as soon as it gets hot it starts ticking.
It must also be said that if its stands in idle and are becoming hot but not started ticking yet, and you then turn off the engine and then start it again after one minute, beginning immediately start ticking again. My conclusion is that it doesnt get enough oil pressure or oil becomes too thin when it gets hot.?
Im almost sure that it is the lifters, the sound is comming from
In one way or another ?????
I dont think thats its the lifters itself, but the ticking sound is comming from them.
A couple of weeks ago I tried to look at the lifters again, there were 2-3 of lifters I could see they had not been running around, so they had an even wear brand from the Camshaft, "not round" I changed them, and started the engine, but same problem.
I really hope there is someone here who can help me.

things I've changed for my problem here.
New Camshaft 285 degrees
new valve lifters set
new piper adjustable timing chain
new oil pump
The oil I use is Pennzoil 20 \ 50 with added zinc.

if it is of some help, I can make a small video clip so you may better hear what I write about, and upload it on youtube.

Bedst regards
Martin
Denmark.

plastic orange · Post by **plastic orange** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:22 pm

My 3.9 engine has done this since I fitted it, and like you I've replaced everything - (cam, lifters, rockers, oil pump, valves, springs, timing gear) to no avail.
Before I stuck a cam in (Hurricane) it only seemed to do it when held at over 3500rpm for a steady period, but it now does it to please itself.
My oil presuure seems ok - around 45 when over 2k, and going to around 10 on hot low idle, and this never falters when the noise starts. To me it sounds like lifters/noisy tappits, but these were replaced along with cam. I also use good oil - millers classic and used the addiditive from real steel when I put cam in. Cam was run in as per instructions.
Strange thing is that the noise disappears as mysteriously as it started.
I'm ready to chuck in the towel and fit another engine - possibly not even a Rover.

Pete

ian.stewart · Post by **ian.stewart** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:22 pm

very often caused by exhaust manifold flange leak, dont know if taking off leads one at a time from the plug will reveal anything

unstable load · Post by **unstable load** » Sat Aug 06, 2011 1:42 am

^^
What he said!

Opel-V8 · Post by **Opel-V8** » Sat Aug 06, 2011 8:47 am

The ticking here is too loud to come from a manifold leak, so I dont think thats the problem.
To me it sounds like its noisy lifters tappits \ ticking.
But they are new.

Yes my English is not good sorry. certainly not in car language

Darkspeed · Post by **Darkspeed** » Sat Aug 06, 2011 9:08 am

Dont dismiss the manifold leak until you have checked it. As said drop a plug lead from each cylinder in turn and see.

If you ask advice, have it provided it and then you just dismiss it what is the incentive to give any further advice?

Andrew

plastic orange · Post by **plastic orange** » Sat Aug 06, 2011 10:08 am

Manifold leak was my first check, but as Opel-V8 says, it sounds like noisy lifters.
I'm sure he'll double check as I have done in the hope it is so simple. Any advice given is much appreciated.

Pete

Opel-V8 · Post by **Opel-V8** » Sat Aug 06, 2011 12:44 pm

I admit that I haven`t checked the manifold leak, because It dont sound like that, more a metallic sound.
I will look in to it and hope it will solve my problem.
Thanks for your advice, appreciate it
Ill be back

ChrisJC · Post by **ChrisJC** » Sat Aug 06, 2011 6:05 pm

Head Gasket failure can also sound metallic. The gasket can leak from a bore to the outside of the engine without passing any waterways, so you won't loose water. It just makes 'ticking' sounds.

Chris.

davemgb · Post by **davemgb** » Sun Aug 07, 2011 4:51 pm

Your ticking could be a rocker.

The steel cup in the end of the alloy rockers have been known to come loose, Rover had some production issues occasionally.

Dave

Opel-V8 · Post by **Opel-V8** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:40 pm

to update about my problem.
I would try to check my manifold gaskets here today.
But when I started it and let it heat up, there was just no ticking noises, I took a drive in her, but still no ticking? weird. Now I have run several times in her, where nothing has been.
There was just one time today it was ticking again, but after I turned it off and started it again, there was nothing.
The sound may well be there just when I start the engine for a few seconds until the lifters are filled with oil again, but that's normal.
So I think it strange.

it has perhaps had the advantage of being ignored for a while

if it comes again, I've since gotten a few things to check.
but then I will return here.

but I think the rokers sounds like a go idea to check.

bedst regards
Martin.

plastic orange · Post by **plastic orange** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 10:23 pm

Here's some vids of my engine from today. It sounds quiet until it's revved hard, then ticking starts. It will disappear, but comes and goes randomly, but since new cam fitted it will always do it when revved hard.

Just back from a short run

Been ticking over for a short while

Revved to 5.5k

Opel-V8 · Post by **Opel-V8** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 3:18 pm

It's really nice of you to have made some video of it.
This is exactly that sound my engine was doing.
But I think I will check my rokers after all.
As DaveMGB wrote.
But you had them checked, or change them?

Ps. a very fine Minor with a cool engine.

Is it okay in England just like that, to build such a V8 engine in a car that was born with a smaller engine?
In Denmark, such a conversion is almost impossible to get legal.
plus it costs a LOT in taxes, IF you get it approved

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 4:06 pm

"Is it okay in England just like that, to build such a V8 engine in a car that was born with a smaller engine?
In Denmark, such a conversion is almost impossible to get legal. "

Yes and that is one of the reasons the rest of Europe hat us so much!!!!

Best regarrds
Mike

Opel-V8 · Post by **Opel-V8** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 6:36 pm

Damn, I'm jealous

In Denmark, we may only increase HP with max 20%
if you can comply with all pollution requirements.
On my old Opel born with 90 Hp. there are some other rules because it is so old "1969" it is still very difficult to get permission to get over the 20% but it can be done.
BUT, it will cost me a new tax on the car. it has been-Rated to 5000 "in British pounds"

that's sick.

But its evil Denmark