RE: Loud mettalic tapping from top of engine.

["Livolsi, Stephane" <livols1@investorsgroup.com>]

don't overlook the possibility of excessive play between the distributor
and its drive gear.  While the engine is running,place  the handle of a
long screwdriver to the ear and touch parts of the engine with the tip
(or use a stethoscope).  That's how I nailed down exactly what you
describe - turned out to be the distributor gear.
HTH
Stephane Livolsi
180 Yorston St
Williams Lake, BC, V2G 3Z1
ph 250-392-2637
fax 250-392-2693

'86 5KTQ stock (if you don't know what it means, you aren't in the club)

>----------
>From: 	Iain Atkinson[SMTP:iain.atkinson@virgin.net]
>Sent: 	November 13, 1999 6:49 AM
>To: 	Q List
>Subject: 	Loud mettalic tapping from top of engine.
>
>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
>
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