Hydraulic tappets

[Guderian]

Nice that a tool is theoretically available to change one tappet and cam follower at a time... (1.2spi)

The thing is, i only have one tappet that 'goes dry' and taps on a cold start, so how would i go about identifying which one it is!? Reluctant to change all 8.

[Welsh Dan]

Get a mate to start it and put your ear next to the rocker cover?

[Guderian]

Yeah it's going to be down to using a sounding rod i think. Might have to wait until it's doing it constantly for a reliable result. Then if i take the top off i might find a bit of play on one which would confirm it. Sounds like a plan.

[Simon 1867]

Personnelly mate if one is tapping its likely that the others will start soon. I would change all 8 for piece of mind, not a hard job

[Guderian]

Cheers. It is a rusty one so it will likely be broken for parts in a 1 to 2 year's time so just doing the basic minimum for roadworthiness.

Odd how i have never had a tappet wear out before, even on 140,000 miler vauxhall's with neglected oil changes...This one has only done 70k, and is very clean inside. Seems just down to luck.

[Simon 1867]

That does sound strange that one is worn...but it is a nova, anything can happen with them.lol

[garyc]

They are probably full of crap inside. I took some out of "clean" looking engine and they were full up of rubbish. take them out and give them a clean.