Tappet noise on Sigma 140?

[mossy7]

Hi,

I picked up my new ( to me anyway) 7 yesterday. It's a Sigma 140. There is a distinct noise rather like tappets from the engine. I suspect it's the injectors or a " they all do that Sir" something, but as its my first Caterham and I wasn't clever enough to build it myself I wondered if its a problem or just normal? 

[Jonathan Kay]

Hmmm... could you record it?

Perhaps the most useful approach would be to listen to some others, and get some other owners to listen to yours.

Have you found your local group yet?

Jonathan

[mossy7]

Jonathan, thanks for the reply. I have found the local group and that probably is the best approach. I just wondered if it was a common thing or problem that others had come across, I have searched the forum but not found anything relevant. 

[Dorset7]

They do sound a bit "tappety" on start up, made worse if you use 5W50 Motorsport oil I've noticed.

The injector rail noise is pretty evident too, particularly on tick over. 

 

[martyn]

I had my car out for the first time in about 2 months yesterday.  While sat at the lights, I was thinking to myself about how unpleasant it sounds at idle.  Without actually recording it the best way I can describe is a mechanical click / tap at a regular fast rate.  My understanding is that it is the injectors but don't quote me on that.

If it is any reassurance, pretty much any ford engine from the last 10 years sounds the same.  I have the 2 litre duratec in my fiesta and it is exactly the same.  Although because of all the sound proofing you need to get your head under the bonnet to hear it.

Hopefully it is a case of "they all do that sir" otherwise both or our cars (and my daily) could be in trouble!

[mossy7]

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[mossy7]

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[mossy7]

Thanks Martyn and Sig7, that certainly puts my mind at rest. Cheers.