2003 tappet noise 2003 elise

[robbie]

Hi, i am a new owner of my first Lotus Elise 2003, it seems to have developed a tappet sound from the top of the engine, would it be worth having the hydraulic tappets changed? if so does the cambelt need changing at the same time, how much do you think it would all cost to do?

 

thank you 

[DeanB]

Welcome to mloc Robbie.  I too have a 2003 Elise but sadly I know next to bugger all about tappets!

Martin R will probably be along in a bit with some sage advice.  If you need someone to do the work though I would recommend using Gav at Unit 4 Vehicle Services in Burton. He's very reasonable and an excellent mechanic, with huge experience of these cars.

I can also tell you Lotus say cam belts should be changed every four years so I would check if yours is due anyhow.

Good luck!

Dean

[kieranexige]

I second what Deans said. Gav's just dropped a new belt on mine and caught a weepy water pump whilst he was there.

[DeanB]

Yeah a new water pump is only about twenty five quid 

[Martin R]

Change the oil for a good quality oil. Get it up to temperature and give it a good thrashing. That may well clear it. failing that they can be removed and cleaned. Many vids on youtube to explain how to do it. Not a job though unless you are confident in your ability.

Be very careful if you do go down the route of buying new. There is a very very good chance they will be sub standard. IMO you are better getting low mileage OE Rover tappets and clean them out. If have 3 or 4 sets of cleaned VVC tappets in my garage needless to say. The VVC are slightly lighter and hold less oil but can be used on VVC and NON VVC cars IIRC HTH

 

Welcome to MLOC.