Tappet Noise?

[soberphil]

Hi all,

New to this forum, had my BRM since about Jan, great car but now slightly concerned about what sounds like tappet noise.

Not sure whether I've just convinced myself that its got louder or whether it actually has got louder, but I'm fairly sure when I first got the car there wasn't much appreciable tappet noise. Had done 52k miles when I got it now done 58k.

What level of noise is considered normal?

I'm planning on swapping to a 5w 40 fully synth oil when I next change it (rather than a 10w 40), as I've heard this may help. Anyone any thoughts on that - what sorts of oil do you use?

Cheers,
Phil.

[Adam]

I've always used 10W40 oil and its been fine for me. The tappet noise is probably just the vvc mechanism, with the hydraulic tappets there is quite a bit of noise unfortunately. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it.

[marc_brm]

k-series engines are prone to tapping. its nothing to worry about inless it does get worse. if you sit in the car and hold it at 2000rpm for about 5 mins (painful to the ears but good for car) the hydraulic tappets should bleed themselves and refil with clean oil. that should help.