basically i just brought the car cheap and aim to cheaply get the engine running better, i know i need tappets as they are rally rattly/tappy but i have a similar sort of noise not such a high pitch more of a lower duller but similar in sound pattern, it comes from the lower area of the engine around where the belts are located, any ideas?? could this just be a case of the need for a new pump or is it a bit more serious

dale westbrook - ashford kent, July 2009

Worn tensioner or alternator bearing, maybe? Its best to take of the auxilliary belt(s) and run the engine....if the noise goes away then you aren't far off.

John, July 2009