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MG MGF Technical - Post HG change

Having just replaced the headgasket(cam belt & fan belt) on my 97 mpi yesterday, i'm now getting a ticking noise coming from the area around where the cam belt is, it increases in speed in line with the revs, has anybody got any ideas as to what could be causing it?
many thanks
Wayne
wmd d'andilly

It may be that one of more of the hydraulic tappets has drained or become clogged. First check the level of the oil. If too low the tappets can get noisy. Also, an oil which is not viscous enough will cause tappets to drain too easily making them noisy (ie 0W20). If concerned run the car back to the garage.

There is a method for pumping up the tappets which some of the Elise boys use. When the car is warm, drive the car in second up to 6000rpm the back down to 2000rpm then repeat. People may stare a little but it can work...

Tim


tim woolcott

Thanks Tim, i did the job myself as i have done it previously on a rover 400, reference the oil viscousity i have just put fully synthetic in for the first time so i think i will change it back to semi and see how it goes.
Cheers for the advice , will let you know how it goes.
Wayne
Wayne D'andilly

>i'm now getting a ticking noise coming from the area around where the cam belt is

How loud?, a loose exaust manifold gasket (you did renew right?) gives quite a loud slapping noise, and the location can be anywhere along the manifold
Will Munns

Not a tappet problem but loss of coolant on my 2000MY, X plater.

Had the HG changed for the usual reasons at 30k, 3k ago, but still losing some water. The dealer has had it back, pressure tested the system and says it's ok. I note he put some Barrs Leaks (or whatever) in the header tank and I've replaced the rad cap but it makes no difference. I'm still losing around 0.2 ltrs per k., probably on the warm up/cool down cycle but not sure about that.

Any ideas?

Dave H in Cheshire.
D Horsman

The Rad is probebly on the way out, they tend to die off after 3 or 4 years, the underbody pipes are also suspects.

You can buy UV tracer which can be added to the coolant and even though the coolant evaporates the tracer stays and is visable under UV light - but it is quite expensive and the pack - available from L Suk (used to be lucus spares-UK) - can be used to treat many systems. I would ring around garages to find out if any have part used kits as it may work out much cheaper.
Will Munns

Wayne,

Will raises a good point about the exhaust manifold, a ticking/phtting noise can well be confused with tappets. I had this experience earlier in the year when my exhaust manifold cracked. It will be easier to diagnose with the engine cover removed. You should be able to feel exhaust gases coming out, also look for tell tale soot around the exhaust gasket.

Tim
Tim

I've just had a good look around the exhaust manifold area and have found that the bottom centre stud is not fitted correctly and it is blowing there so i've now fitted it properly and problem solved, many thanks to all who helped, you never know i may have some tips for other budding DIY HG replacers now i've actually done the job.
Thanks again
Wayne
Wayne D'Andilly

Cool, welcome to the club!

Bet you were cacking yourself, a loose exaust manifold sounds real ugly, especially after messing with the cam belt !!!
Will Munns

Thanks Will!

I saw the bit about coolant pipes earlier. Mine look ok at the moment but I can see the corrosion setting in around the welds.

Will check the rad.

Dave.
D Horsman

This thread was discussed between 04/01/2004 and 06/01/2004

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