Thread: Noisey tappet ....where to go from here?

Hi All,

I have an 81 RRC with 3.5 V8 engine.

The vehicle is not my daily driver and I don't know how many ks the motor had done before I bought her 8 years ago.
Suffice to say she only blows a small amount of light blue smoke (doesent use oil ...just leak oil ) on heavy excelleration but that's because the carbies need a tune (and she's running rich)
The dreaded noisey tappet reared its head and after discussing this with several people I have replaced the racks that has the tappets on them (L & R Hand side)
This seemed to have fixed the problem ....But in the last 6 months when the engine reaches operating tempreture there is a single very noisy tappet sound (and I do mean noisy)

I've come to the conclusion that from what people have mentioned on this forum previously its a worn cam as there is no adjustment on the tappets.
As the engine will need a rebuilt (it is getting tired, but runs well) should I just replace the cam with a new one or should I wait, save some money purchase a s/hand engine and rebuild that (whilst still driving mine) or rebuild the current engine.

Also can a rebuild be done while the engine is in situ (is that a realistic option) or is it best to pull out the existing engine and is there any merit in purchasing a 3.9 V8 for extra power (even if I want to run CD175 carbies)

I don't have the equipment to pull out the engine, limited mechanical knowledge (but a willingness to have a go) and do value the advice from those more knowing than I

Cheers

Baggy

Hi Bee utey,

Appreciate your advice ...... just a couple of additional questions

With cams would you put a standard one back or would you reccomend a slightly mild cam to improve air and gas flow and hopefully power.

She is mainly for touring, and a bit extra power when on the highway would be nice ....a small V8 (2 tonne vehicle) and being shaped like a brick she was never meant for speed although she is painted go fast red.

I don't mind doing superficial modifications to motor including changing carbies to holley or whatever practical that will improve preformance and when the time comes I will put her all back to original as my Sunday drive.

Cheers

Baggy