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[cbowditch]

2000 prefacelift 3.0 MV6 with 50K on the clock.

I've started to notice on cold mornings a slight tappet noise from the engine when cold. It clears after a minute. I just wondered if this was normal?

I thought 50K was quite low for one of these engines especially given that the oil has been changed every 3K for most of the cars life and the oil change intervals have only become a bit longer during my ownership.

[cem_devecioglu]

When engine is cold tappet noise is normal..

3k oil change intervals is good idea I think..

[Jay w]

i would recommend using the vaux 10/40 semi synthetic and reverting back to 3k oil changes.

you will find that under normal condition this will resolve the issue

[cbowditch]

When engine is cold tappet noise is normal..

3k oil change intervals is good idea I think..

Thanks for the reply. Yes I agree about the 3k intervals. I can't afford it though   Its cheaper just to use expensive oil (Mobile 1) and change after 6-7k instead

[shyboy]

When engine is cold tappet noise is normal..

3k oil change intervals is good idea I think..

Thanks for the reply. Yes I agree about the 3k intervals. I can't afford it though   Its cheaper just to use expensive oil (Mobile 1) and change after 6-7k instead

[/highlight]

Until you start to notice problems like the one you mention which may be the start of something more troublesome. It's generally accepted on here that Vx 10w/40 semi synthetic is an excellent oil to use and it can be bought cheaply enough for 3K changes if you use a Trade Club card obtainable through memership of Autobahnstormers.  

[Kevin Wood]

Its cheaper just to use expensive oil (Mobile 1) and change after 6-7k instead

Last time I looked Mobil 1 was about 40 quid for 4 litres. You can buy enough Vx semi synth to do about 6 oil changes for the price of one change using Mobil 1. I don't see the economy argument here!

It may be a better oil but, if you're changing it regularly, it doesn't matter since the only real benefit of such a high spec. oil in an Omega is longer life. Contamination with soot and acids is the biggest concern and that happens regardless of the oil quality.

I'd go with regular changes and an "ordinary" oil any day.

Kevin

[sounds2k]

slight noise from cold could also be exhaust manifold and/or gasket blowing ...

[Dave-C]

slight noise from cold could also be exhaust manifold and/or gasket blowing ...

Just like mine, don't worry

[cbowditch]

Thanks for all the replies. I've booked car in for a service next week using VX 10/40 semi-synethic, so hopefully should cure annoying tappet noise.

One final question: Garage quoted me an hours labour for the oil change which struck me as excessive. Is there something complex about changing the oil/filter on an Omega, like having to remove sump guard or inner wheel arch lining?

[Kevin Wood]

Nothing difficult at all. Given that they'll be working with the car on a lift instead of jack / axle stands I would be rather surprised if it took anything like an hour. Probably takes me about 20 mins including fiddling around with jacks, trays of oil, etc.

That's probably their minimum unit of labour.

I'd get into doing it yourself. Basic maintenance like this is not difficult and you can spend what you have saved on doing more regular changes.

Kevin

[Marks DTM Calib]

Thanks for all the replies. I've booked car in for a service next week using VX 10/40 semi-synethic, so hopefully should cure annoying tappet noise.

One final question: Garage quoted me an hours labour for the oil change which struck me as excessive. Is there something complex about changing the oil/filter on an Omega, like having to remove sump guard or inner wheel arch lining?

It takes me about 10 minutes labour time to remove the sump plug and filter plus about 30 minutes to let the oil drain.....

[Grumpy]

Also, to save time and money, some places don't even bother
to take out the sump plug and drain all the oil.

They put a thin tube down the dipstick tube and suck out as much
old oil as they can, and then just top up with fresh oil.

If the oil filter is the replacement element type, how do you know
that they even changed the oil filter?  

To a lot of places you are just a walking wallet on legs. Pride in
the workmanship and customer satisfaction doesn't even enter
into the equation.

Unless you are determined to be a milch cow for big business
all your life, you should really start to learn to do simple jobs
yourself, and then use that as a base to work up to more
demanding jobs.
You've come to the right forum if you intend to start down this
route.  

I know some folk can't do stuff due to medical reasons, so I hope
those folk don't take offence at this.
None is intended.