Valve clearance adjustment tool

[manold99]

I have a 2001 3.ltr S-Type with a rather noisy top end sound like tappets.
Has anyone had any success in adjusting the tappets without removing the camshaft by using a tool made to lock on to a camshaft bearing, if so where can I purchase a such useful tool

[oldtimer]

Sorry to disappoint you but regrettably it is a camshaft out job.

Adjusting tappet clearances is a thing of the past and usually only carried out after major surgery.

One has to wonder what the total recorded mileage is.

[J44EAG]

I think one has to consider why this engine has become noisy at the top.

High mileage V6 cars do tend to suffer from oil starvation issues. This affects both top and bottom end components. Most problems stem from a lack of regular oil changing which causes oil galleries to sludge and reduced oil flow to occur with consequential wear and damage occurring at vital points. It is worth checking to ensure that there is a copious flow of oil present within the cam boxes.

Last year I saw three V6 cars locally which had oil flow issues. All had noisy top ends. One example had crank bearing rumble problems and effectively became a scrap unit.

I would be trying a flushing oil additive as an initial attempt to improve the situation. Additives are available from most motoring retail outlets. The additive is added to the oil and the engine run at idle whilst stationary for around twenty minutes to attempt to break down oil sludge. The oil is then changed together with the filter. The operation may or may not have a successful outcome.

Mike

[Martec]

Hi,

Just to add another element to this top end noise, I noticed with my old engine 97,000 miles and with this one, unknown miles, both needed the front crankshaft seal replaced which with the correct tool can be done without removing the engine and with a new seal in, this engine is not loosing a drop of oil (both engines has oil plastered all over the front end and down the sides, not obvious when in situ).

But both engines have the same problem namely if started from cold and left to idle then they become noisy and it sounded like tappet rattle. If the engine is given a quick rev to say 2500 revs this disappears. From Philips problem 4 ltr engine I noted that both the 3 ltr and 4 ltr engines need oil to the VVT unit on the front of the inlet cam to move the cam (I think it is advanced for idle??), so assume the VVT unit is a little worn or as Mike says the oil galleries get a bit clogged.

I have given the engine 3 oil changes in 240 miles of running but it has not cured the problem (a series of light flushes).

This present engine has I suspect done a fair few miles but the tappet gaps were within tolerance.

It is relatively easy to get at the cam covers, inlet manifold off for the drivers side cover, just draw or remember where all the little plastic pipes go!!!!!

Brian

[manold99]

Sorry to disappoint you but regrettably it is a camshaft out job.

Adjusting tappet clearances is a thing of the past and usually only carried out after major surgery.

One has to wonder what the total recorded mileage is.

Thank you for your message. The mileage on my car is 98,274.
I have just downloaded a workshop manual which does in fact show a special tool for adjusting tappets.
I am trying to locate this tool which might be available from America.
Will keep you informed if I have any success.
Rex

[manold99]

I think one has to consider why this engine has become noisy at the top.

High mileage V6 cars do tend to suffer from oil starvation issues. This affects both top and bottom end components. Most problems stem from a lack of regular oil changing which causes oil galleries to sludge and reduced oil flow to occur with consequential wear and damage occurring at vital points. It is worth checking to ensure that there is a copious flow of oil present within the cam boxes.

Last year I saw three V6 cars locally which had oil flow issues. All had noisy top ends. One example had crank bearing rumble problems and effectively became a scrap unit.

I would be trying a flushing oil additive as an initial attempt to improve the situation. Additives are available from most motoring retail outlets. The additive is added to the oil and the engine run at idle whilst stationary for around twenty minutes to attempt to break down oil sludge. The oil is then changed together with the filter. The operation may or may not have a successful outcome.

Mike

Thank you Mike for your advice, I shall certainly try the oil flush and new filter and keep my fingers crossed and everything else.

[manold99]

Hi,

Just to add another element to this top end noise, I noticed with my old engine 97,000 miles and with this one, unknown miles, both needed the front crankshaft seal replaced which with the correct tool can be done without removing the engine and with a new seal in, this engine is not loosing a drop of oil (both engines has oil plastered all over the front end and down the sides, not obvious when in situ).

But both engines have the same problem namely if started from cold and left to idle then they become noisy and it sounded like tappet rattle. If the engine is given a quick rev to say 2500 revs this disappears. From Philips problem 4 ltr engine I noted that both the 3 ltr and 4 ltr engines need oil to the VVT unit on the front of the inlet cam to move the cam (I think it is advanced for idle??), so assume the VVT unit is a little worn or as Mike says the oil galleries get a bit clogged.

I have given the engine 3 oil changes in 240 miles of running but it has not cured the problem (a series of light flushes).

This present engine has I suspect done a fair few miles but the tappet gaps were within tolerance.

It is relatively easy to get at the cam covers, inlet manifold off for the drivers side cover, just draw or remember where all the little plastic pipes go!!!!!

Brian

Again may I thank you for your advice on this problem, as I told Mike I shall try the engine oil flush first and see where that takes me.
I was trying to explore if there was any short cuts to this tappet problem, the last engine I stripped down was on a Mark 2 2.4
Rex

[manold99]

I have now completed a engine flush with some success the engine is now much less noisy the tapping sound seems to have disappeared, thanks to every one for your help.
Rex

[J44EAG]

Perhaps do it again after a few hundred miles. If the flush has worked then it is indeed a good result.

The V6 does seem prone to oil starvation at higher mileages. Perhaps a good idea for anyone with a well used car to give it the treatment before problems occur as preventative maintenance.

Mike