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[harpersimon]

Hi all - I am looking at some Omega's this weekend, and one in particular grabs my attention, a low mileage 2.6 V6 CD on a 52 plate.
The dealer has just told me though thats its been sitting about, and they have just noticed the tappets making a louder than normal sound - so it needs a service to sort that out.
1. is this true? will a service cure noisy tappets (assuming he means the hydrualic followers or lifters or something as I can't imagine this engine has classic 'tappets')
2. If not, should I walk away from the car?

Thanks for a speedy response.. :-) (also posted in tech section as I am looking for a speedy answer!)

[joshwyatt]

It all depends on how well it's been serviced in the past.
But yes, fresh oil can cure noisey tappets.
4 quick oil changes 500 miles apart will make a noticeable difference.
What is the mileage? And does it have any service history you are aware of?
However, they shouldn't be noisey all the time, I'd expect a little noise on startup...but if they're noisey all the time and after a drive that's not great, not the end of the world...but something to factor in when deciding on the final price.

[JamesV6CDX]

Check the oil pressure to the heads is OK before parting with any cash

[Andy H]

If left standing for a long time (weeks) it is quite common for the hydraulic lifters on a couple of valves to close up and make a racket for a few seconds after the engine has started.

If they don't go quiet as the engine warms up it points to sticky lifters (possibly, but not necessarily caused by infrequent oil changes).

The service required might just be an oil & filter change. Some people recommend using an additive in the oil to clean up the lifters (Fortes lifter treatment comes to mind).

Other people recommend a good Italian tune up to blow the cobwebs out

[Andy B]

Check the oil pressure to the heads is OK before parting with any cash

and you're going to be able to do this on the garage fore court with ............. ?  :-/
I'd assume that the garage were refering to noisey 'tappets' on start up, as a lot of hydraulic liffer engines can do when cold. It's if it doesn't quieten down soon after start up. Hyraulic lifter treatment is apparently the stuff to use.
Being a 2.6. blue smoke on the first start up of the day should be looked for.

[harpersimon]

It all depends on how well it's been serviced in the past.
But yes, fresh oil can cure noisey tappets.
4 quick oil changes 500 miles apart will make a noticeable difference.
What is the mileage? And does it have any service history you are aware of?
However, they shouldn't be noisey all the time, I'd expect a little noise on startup...but if they're noisey all the time and after a drive that's not great, not the end of the world...but something to factor in when deciding on the final price.

Thanks for the quick response first!!
it (apparently - I have yet to verify) has full history and has done 50k miles, just 'noisy' bits worry me. I don't want to get a pup as I have to use the car every day :-)

[harpersimon]

Check the oil pressure to the heads is OK before parting with any cash

and you're going to be able to do this on the garage fore court with ............. ?  :-/
I'd assume that the garage were refering to noisey 'tappets' on start up, as a lot of hydraulic liffer engines can do when cold. It's if it doesn't quieten down soon after start up. Hyraulic lifter treatment is apparently the stuff to use.
Being a 2.6. blue smoke on the first start up of the day should be looked for.

LOL thanks - I was wonderng how I am going to check oil pressure to the head on a forecourt, other than maybe a loose cap/piston blow-by test.
Know nothing about Omega's and don't want the first one I ever get to blow up a week later. I will drop the oil on it as a matter of course, the dealer wants £1600ish and doesn't want to have to spend out as it was a px already, but I think I can beat him down a bit as I will have to service it.
Being a current Alfa driver, I know only too well how good an Italian tune up is now and then :-)

[Rockhampton]

I've used Wynn's Lifter Treatment on my 2006 2.6 which had a slight tappet noise and the difference was noticable within about 3 minutes.... only about £7 

[bigtow]

then again it could be the exhaust manifold gasket that has blown

[harpersimon]

no defo tappets - they say it gets quieter when running. I have to go see I guess. Can I get Winns lifter treatment in halfrauds?

[The Red Baron]

no defo tappets - they say it gets quieter when running. I have to go see I guess. Can I get Winns lifter treatment in halfrauds?

yep, well i can here in burton.

[harpersimon]

Super. well this time tomorrow then I may well be an owner.. and thinking have I done the right thing :-)