Noisy / tapping GTI 16v ABF Engine

[badgerman1]

My beloved Ibiza's engine is making a tapping sound from cold, similar to that in the youtube video RRDZL8GBdv8 (can't post a direct link as new, but you can copy and paste the reference into youtube to get it.)

It doesn't have a noticable effect on performance, acceleration is what's it's always been , fuel economy is great (can get over 40 mpg on runs)

Had a quick look through the site, and google, but couldn't find anything definitive (I'm not a mechanic), so can anybody help with what it may be, if it's likely to be fatal?

Thanks.

 

[Fl@pper]

http://www.youtube.com/user/LregG#p/a/u/2/RRDZL8GBdv8

2nd one sounds normal as they are not the most smooth 'n' quietest engines in the world anyway but the first one sounds a bit harsh and echo too ??

for what it takes to get em off id have a look under the rocker cover to check the springs/lifters are looking ok or at least a compressions check in case ones bent or loose

 

[badgerman1]

Thanks for the quick reply.

To be honest I always thought the engine made a similar noise, so possibly just a bit more pronounced now.

As I've said, I'm no mechanic, and given the age of the car ('97) and the fact the exploritary work sounds quite in-depth, I wonder how much it's likely to cost to resolve.

 

[toddygti]

I would recommend looking at the Exhaust manifold too. As Fl@pper stated the ABF is not a quiet engine but one common issue is if there is a leak from the DP or manifold the tap will become louder and more pronounced. Another part of that is the manifold cracking which would cause the same thing and this happens frequently on the ABF I understand.

 

[BubbleBoy]

Sounds a bit like some of the valves dont work like they should do, how often do you change the motor oil?

 

[Caffienated]

I've had various engines make similar noises with the oil just a little bit too low or alternatively older/thinner than it should be.

Other than that I'd be thinking slightly bent valve/bad spring/faulty lifter etc in no particular order and depending on the engine I was considering.

Simple things first, and following BubbleBoy: When was the last time you changed/checked the oil?

Manifold sounds like a possible, but so does the coil every time it's suggested for ignition issues... and I wonder how often it's actually the problem?

 

[CupraGTI16V]

That sound comes from cam chains i think.

 

[peterb107]

I had the same "tappety" noise......which gradually got louder over a couple of weeks.
Eventually my engine seized......turned out one of the lifters had somehow become damaged, and eventually smashed to bits (Apparently caused by over-revving!!)

Now got replacement engine in.......but is slightly "tappety" until engine warms up

Have you changed oil recently?? Could be something simple.