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Diagnosis help - Cold Lash Adjustment??

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 2:48 pm
by Patty
Hi guys,

My 98 NB8A has developed a noise which I believe is the 'ticking' of lifter clearances being incorrect. This is just my internet diagnosis as I have sweet flower all knowledge of engine internals. To me it sounds like someone pouring a small cup of water onto the floor but a little more mechanical (if that makes sense?). Research led me to use the ticking term but I don't want to throw ppl down the wrong path.

I had my engine replaced earlier this year with another stock BP-4W. Papers say 69,000kms done (if you believe that). Ran like a dream until recently I would hear the sound only during the first two gear changes or so when the engine is still cold and disappears afterwards. For instance, I could rev it up to 3k rpm once in the morning just in my garage to iron out the noise and it wouldn't make a noise for the rest of the trip. Lately I noticed it's getting louder (not LOUD) and it lasts a bit for longer - maybe the first 3-4 gear changes.

There's recommendations for HLA's to use lighter oil but the NB8A has solid lifters so I don't see how that would help. I currently use magnatec 10w-40, don't track it, and yes, there's enough oil :oops:
1. Has any NB's had to adjust theirs after 70k kms and is it difficult to do? My old engine made it up to 95k kms with no ticking.
2. What happens if I leave it?

Pat.

Diagnosis help - Cold Lash Adjustment??

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 9:20 pm
by manga_blue
Lots and lots of places a noise like that can come from - not just cam/valve noise although it could be excessive clearance on one or two valves, but I can't figure out why that would suddenly happen on a BP.
Try to work out exactly where in the engine it's coming from first . One way is to hold one end of a length of 6mm or so plastic tubing to your ear and move the other end around the running motor. DO NOT GET IT TANGLED IN A DRIVE BELT. :evil: Also a mechanics stethoscope might work, especially when you get close.
Trivial little things like a nick in a pulley can click a bit.
BTW I'd get a better oil anyway. I reckon Magnatec is big on advertising, not so good on lubricating. Castrol Edge is reasonable quality at a budget price.

Diagnosis help - Cold Lash Adjustment??

Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2009 10:30 am
by Patty
Well thats the thing with self diagnosis, you always think it's the worst case option. My fiancee did orthoptics back at uni and inspecting my eyes she would always suggest I had some obscure eye problem... :roll:

I'll try to isolate the noise a bit closer. I also think it's weird because this topic hasn't come up much in this forum...