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[feeutfo]

Thought it was just a top end tapping at tickover. Can't see it blowing. And tbh, can't say I noticed it meself.

Do you need the car? Can it be off the road for a week or two or is it your only transport? Just thinking if it needs major surgery it might be an oppertunity to fettle a few things. If you wanted...?

[tunnie]

Thought it was just a top end tapping at tickover. Can't see it blowing. And tbh, can't say I noticed it meself.

Do you need the car? Can it be off the road for a week or two or is it your only transport? Just thinking if it needs major surgery it might be an oppertunity to fettle a few things. If you wanted...?

Yeah its just tapping at tick over, might pop by your way some time, let you have a listen & your thoughts.

Can be off road, but I don't think its worth major surgery. It could be just me being very picky!

[feeutfo]

Well, got two others here to compare yours to.

[tunnie]

Well, got two others here to compare yours to.

Sounds like a plan, compared to TB's mine was loud.

.... wait a sec, two? You got another? Other than black?

[doz]

Have you actually measured what the oil pressure is at idle? I mean using a proper test gauge? The oil light sender is fairly easy to get to if you drop the engine shield at the front. 

[pscocoa]

Mine clicks on idle when cold - my engine is only 22000 miles old (following tensioner bolt failure)- so if you want to compare and for me turn up in Reading at same tiime then I can do - if it is ok with Chris.

In fact the new engine in 2008 came only four years after oil cooler issues when they rebuilt the engine getting at an oil cooler leak. I have some interesting bills - thankfully paid for by VX!!!

[TheBoy]

Have you actually measured what the oil pressure is at idle? I mean using a proper test gauge? The oil light sender is fairly easy to get to if you drop the engine shield at the front.

Tunnie's oil pressure is dropping below minimum spec at idle. Can't remember specifics, but it was dropping to high teens, Haynes BoB said minimum 22, mine dropped to high 20s.

[2woody]

it is possible to do this with the engine in place, but in reality, it's easier to take it out.

Oil pump failure is very unlikely to be the cause of the low pressure. I'd actually not be that concerned with 15psi at idle, provided it goes up a lot with engine speed. An audible knock when you're on the move means that the engine is dead in reality.

Just say that you find the root cause - and for the sake of argument, the pick-up strainer has come loose. Then you'll need to take the engine out, get the crank re-ground and reassemble with new bearings (plus oil pump if you no longer trust it). Reattaching the strainer and fitting a new pump isn't going to cure it once its started knocking.

[TheBoy]

it is possible to do this with the engine in place, but in reality, it's easier to take it out.

Oil pump failure is very unlikely to be the cause of the low pressure. I'd actually not be that concerned with 15psi at idle, provided it goes up a lot with engine speed. An audible knock when you're on the move means that the engine is dead in reality.

Just say that you find the root cause - and for the sake of argument, the pick-up strainer has come loose. Then you'll need to take the engine out, get the crank re-ground and reassemble with new bearings (plus oil pump if you no longer trust it). Reattaching the strainer and fitting a new pump isn't going to cure it once its started knocking.

To me, its tappet noise. Not deep bottom end noise.

It seems to get worse as engine heats (and oil thins?).

[doz]

Defo check the oil pres. relief valve first. I know you've still got to strip the cambelt cover off but your be doing that any way if you do end up stripping the pump out. I take it you've Changed the oil filter? (I don't know what else you've tried so sorry if it sounds like I'm telling you to suck eggs). You have to start some where if it was me I'd do the following

1/ oil filter and oil change
2/ oil pressure relief valve
3/ oil pump remove and measure
4/ Hydraulic tappets
5/ main bearings

TBH once you've gone past the oil pump stage I'd be throwing the lump away and find another. The costs will go mad if you need to replace all the lifters or start getting parts machined. The lifters used are the same as the straight 6 engine and the 16 valve 4 bangers. Vx will want over 30 quid each however you can get the parts from the manufacturer for around 8-9 quid each. Still mounts up quickly though by the time you've added in the gaskets etc. 

[tunnie]

it is possible to do this with the engine in place, but in reality, it's easier to take it out.

Oil pump failure is very unlikely to be the cause of the low pressure. I'd actually not be that concerned with 15psi at idle, provided it goes up a lot with engine speed. An audible knock when you're on the move means that the engine is dead in reality.

Just say that you find the root cause - and for the sake of argument, the pick-up strainer has come loose. Then you'll need to take the engine out, get the crank re-ground and reassemble with new bearings (plus oil pump if you no longer trust it). Reattaching the strainer and fitting a new pump isn't going to cure it once its started knocking.

To me, its tappet noise. Not deep bottom end noise.

It seems to get worse as engine heats (and oil thins?).

Yeah, as above its sweet as a nut when cold. Only very hot, it can get little better as it cools at idle (when the fans come on) its slightly less noticeable.

Pressure picks up very quickly and stays high with any amount of revs, easily going 80Psi+ at very high revs.

If that low pressure is acceptable, to lessen the impact would a thicker oil be ok?

Defo check the oil pres. relief valve first. I know you've still got to strip the cambelt cover off but your be doing that any way if you do end up stripping the pump out.

Now i know whats involved in getting to this & removing the pump, its not a road I really want to go down.

[tunnie]

Should add its had several oil & filter changes, using GM 10/40. Currently got that, with a bottle of lifter treatment in it.

[doz]

As long as you've got some oil pressure at idle (I've known older cars and tractors which are only designed to have 3-5psi at idle) and aren't to bothered I live with it until the cambelt needs doing again then when it's stripped down I'd have a look at the pressure relief valve. I have to say it will get a lot worse (if it does get any worse at all) before it goes bang. Then just find another lump. Does it have inter Stella mileage on the lump.

[tunnie]

Not for a V6, 139k.

[tunnie]

Mine clicks on idle when cold - my engine is only 22000 miles old (following tensioner bolt failure)- so if you want to compare and for me turn up in Reading at same tiime then I can do - if it is ok with Chris.

Very kind, thank you 

I am quite tempted to pop up to Chris to do a compare