My Fiesta Mk4(1999) ,1300cc, OHV, 8-valve, engine still has loud tappet noise despite recently setting the gaps to 0.2mm(8 thou) amd 0.5mm(20 thou). These gaps were as stated on the label on the rocker-cover. The engine runs well and has only done 63,000 miles. Is there anything else that I can do or is it normal for these particular Ford engines to have loud tappet-noise? Many thanks for any help that you can give.

Tom Derby., July 2008

don't buy a ford

drew, March 2009

yes mate do 0.2 then 0.3 not 0.5 trust me....

jamie, November 2008

Were they set using a dial gauge which takes account of wear grooves? Also frequent oilchanges help. Take off rocker box, run engine and check oil is getting through to all rocker arms.

phil, August 2008

Hi caine,
Many thanks for your excellent answer. I will be trying out your suggestions in the very near future.
Cheers,

Tom Derby., July 2008

they are noisey.locate whitch cyl.open it up,slacken both tappets on noisey one right back enough so as to permit removal of push rods and switch them for each other,reset gaps and restart.if noise considerably less,then buying two new pushrods and fitting should affect cure.if not then its rocker arms .

caine, July 2008