Valve/ Lifter Noise : Have you heard this?

[Whiplash71]

The Problem:
I have just reassembled the "engine" after replacing the valve/cam cover gasket. Installed new battery and cabin air filters too.

The car started today, almost immediately after sitting for almost 2 months. However - there is the most god awful tapping sound. It does not stop.

I've run the car at 1 minute intervals 3 times - nothing over 1000rpm for maybe10-15 seconds. I oiled the cams and chain before I put the cover back on. There are no nuts, washers, plastic or debris in the cam channels or anywhere that I could find *(I vacuumed the surfaces).

So. Engine cranked smoothly. Oil level is good and there is evidence
(I looked) that oil is being slung around the cams.

This car typically is a daily driver - runs like a champ.

Any ideas guys?
This is killing me.

[dave45056]

If that's all you did, I would give it some revs and see if it goes away. The chain tensioner is hydraulic and gets it's force from engine oil pressure. When you replace that tensioner you are instructed to rev the engine to get the tensioner to pop out.
If that does not work, Try removing the tensioner and freeing it up by compressing it in a vice, and try again.

[Xenocide]

if you know everything is good you also need to hold the engine at about 3k rpm to bleed air out of the hydrauilc lifters, though I am surprised it did not go away after a few minutes...I have seen some motors that took a few miles of driving before it quieted down.

[Whiplash71]

Originally Posted by Xenocide

if you know everything is good you also need to hold the engine at about 3k rpm to bleed air out of the hydrauilc lifters, though I am surprised it did not go away after a few minutes...I have seen some motors that took a few miles of driving before it quieted down.

Really - 3000rpm or drive it? I'm not one to shy from things but this really sounds - like it will eat Godzilla.

You're sure.


Thanks for the direction - Dave and X

[Xenocide]

Id have to hear it in person but a little lifter tick like tap tap tap is normal with lifters that are not pumped up.

but this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAXK6pzi_XE for example is not unbled lifters, sounds to me like a loose spark plug, its only one set you are hearing.

[Whiplash71]

Originally Posted by Xenocide

Id have to hear it in person but a little lifter tick like tap tap tap is normal with lifters that are not pumped up.

but this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAXK6pzi_XE for example is not unbled lifters, sounds to me like a loose spark plug, its only one set you are hearing.

Thankfully it didn't sound like that!!! I topped of the oil and drove it - maybe a mile - brought the revs up - the lifter tap settled into that lovey, quiet chatter I'm used to. Purrs like a cat.

Thanks to all for the replies. Xenocide- you nailed it.

Cheers.