I have a tappet type noise on my engine, any ideas, is it normal?

It could be one of the following:

1. Low oil
2. Hydraulic tappets running a bit dry (a 'spirited' drive can sort this)
3. the fuel purge valve (i think thats what its called) (but it doesn't alter with engine revs)
4. A leaking exhaust manifold
5. A case of the fact that some K-series tend to get all tappety in the winter and its nothing to worry about.
6. Something majorly serious

The noise will be much worse if

• the car is left unused for a few days or
• left unused and then started in this cold weather.

The oil seeps back into the sump ( which is why we talk so much of a good oil as a film of protection should stay on the top end ) and the noise is the clearances 'running dry'. As the oil pumps and warms, the gaps are all cushioned by it....no or little noise. So if the noise is clearing when the engine is warm, no worries. This noise is also letting you know why you should never, ever rev an engine from cold.