Loud mettalic tapping from top of engine.

["Iain Atkinson" <iain.atkinson@virgin.net>]

Hi all

Nasty problem occurs this afternoon, I come of the dual carriageway having
had a bit of a blast and I hear this loud mettalic tapping noise from the
top of the engine. It happens most when you rev the car and the rev's drop
back again. It sounds like a much louder version of hydraulic lifter rattle
(this almost like someone is tapping the cam cover with a small hammer),
engine runs fine other than this.

What the hell I have done, I have yet to have a look but need some opinions
please on what might be wrong. My theory is that I have got a bad lifter or
busted valve spring. The engine was prior to this a bit tappety anyway.

Is lifter replacement an easy job or PITA, any BTDT welcome.

I got my Q decals today, great job Bob, really like them, both our cars now
got two each one each on the front and rear screens.


Look forward to hearing from the collective.


TIA

Iain