My engine is very tappy one side

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by ZZ, Dec 28, 2018.

  1. ZZ

    ZZ

    Hi so sorry to keep asking lots of questions but I’m still learning.
    My engine is very tappy on the right side is a tappy sound normal or does it suggest valve problems?
    Many thanks


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  2. Have you checked the clearances?
     
  3. which engine do you have?
     
  4. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Check the tappets.
     
  5. youtube search vw valve adjustment
     
  6. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    If it’s a type 1, pm me an email address and when I get a chance I’ll email you a really simple step-by-step guide.
     
    scrooge95 and paradox like this.
  7. Day

    Day

    Yes ...check/adjust your valve clearances.
     
  8. After you have done all the above, as I have a number of times, and it still sounds noisy - ignore it. Mine sounds more “tapety” on the left been like it for sometime without a problem.
     
  9. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    One possible source of tappety noise is a an exhaust lèak either from a loose exhaust pipe connection or a cylinder head that is a bit loose.
    Listen around using a length of garden hose held near one ear and the other pointing around the cylinder head.

    You will hear a sharp crackling if there is an exhaust leak.

    Another source is when the rocker arms are moving sideways slightly , this is more common on non-stock installations (without wavy springs and clips and washers, with solid spacers instead )
     
  10. Have you checked oil level? When did you last change your oil filter? I was having tappet problems recently, although not restricted to one side. Turned out I just needed to change my oil filter.
     
  11. Exhaust Valve seat
     
    Dicky likes this.
  12. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    Next time you adjust the clearance remove the adjusting screw and check the condition of the screw and the top of the valve stem. If one or both a worn you won’t be able to accurately adjust the clearance and it will be noisy.
     
    snotty likes this.
  13. Cheers @77 Westy , I rebuilt it not long ago with new valves and good adjusting screws BUT I'll check these next time just to be sure; stranger things have happened ! :thumbsup:
     
  14. Do you know where to get adjusters that aren't made of cheese?
     
  15. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

  16. Do you have a Subi engine:D
     
  17. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    The swivel foot changes the pivot point so the rocker shaft pedestal and/or the pushrod length may need to be adjusted. And the rocker arms need to be modified so the adjusters fit.

    Don’t buy EMPI swivel foot adjusters.:)
     
  18. I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing :eek:
     
    77 Westy likes this.
  19. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter


    I have a set. The thread pitch is not metric (quite) so it strips when you wind them into stock rockers after 3 turns. And the feet have been finished by somebody with a really rough file. I wanted only one really to replace the one that got chewed when it slipped sideways off the valve tip because it wasnt lined up properly. (message from our sponsors - please also buy solid rocker assemblies, maybe lash caps and shim the rocker assemblies properly: both away from the head and along the rocker arms, if you want to use swivel foot adjusters)
    I therefore have a set of seven really nice swivel foot adjusters, and six EMPI ones.

    Just dont go there.

    Just buy the recommended TP adjusters. Or the cheaper sets on eBay.

    The real problem started around 2012 when somebody made a batch of really soft adjusters that got loose via VWH. I went through several sets very quickly, as despite their protestations that they had got rid of all of the bad adjusters, I seemed to manage to keep on buying the duff ones from them.
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2019

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