Tapping sound V8 3.9 Rover

[bazbo]

Can anyone help a newbie. Purchased car from Hall mark (Sumo) and really pleased with it, but car has developed a tapping sound in the engine. I am completely non-mechanical and about three hours drive from Hallmark. Someone said this may be cams, is this correct and what should I do?
Thanks Bazbo.

[craigh]

tapping noises are a bit difficult to diagnose,it could be anything from a loose bolt on your exhaust manifolds or rocker covers to a noisy hydraulic lifter,what is your oil pressure reading if you have a gauge fitted? you will prob need to ask somebody with a bit of engine knowledge to have a listen for you and try to pin point the area of the tapping

[bazbo]

Craigh, thanks. Oil pressure is low at 10 psi at 1500rpm and the noise is intermittent. Getting frustrated as I have no knowledge!! Will try and improve.

[TINKA]

How long ago did you purchase it, as Hall Mark must have given you some sort of warranty. I would take it straight back to them if at all poss but only if it is under warranty.

[Harry-G]

That oil pressure sounds 'orribly low.
If the noise is worse when on low revs and high load (eg 30mph in say 4th) then it's either pinking or a bottom end gone. Pinking will be a tapping sound but a bottom end will be more of a knock.
I hate to depress you but the combination of low oil pressure and a knock sounds like a bottom end.
I hope I'm wrong.
Harry

[dave]

10psi oil pressure! Just sounds like an old Rover engine to me. This is not uncommon but the pressure does need to rise when the engine revs increase. Good oil pressure is around 40-50psi when hot and driving.
Chances are that you have a sticking tappet/cam follower.
These problems can be irritating but it does not mean that it is the end of the world.
But you do need to get it checked by a trustworthy expert (Trustworthy because there are plenty of mechanics out there who will suck through their teeth and charge you for an full engine rebuild but only tighten up a few nuts and bolts)

[BILKO]

Try Fitting An Uprated Oil Relief Spring Probably Wont Stop The Tapping But Should Improve Oil Pressure. I Fitted One In A Rover V8 A Few Years Ago Very Easy Job To Do, It Bumped The Oil Pressure Right Up. It Cost£1 From Reel Steel Not Sure What It Cost Now But Cant Be Much More.

Bilko