My 1.8 petrol sounds like a diesel!

**devore** · 8th February 2010, 10:21

Hi all,

In the last few weeks my car has developed what can be described as a diesel-type sound when idling. It's especially apparent when I pull up outside my house and the sound reflects off the wall. Could almost be described as a "tapping" sound.

Anyone have any ideas on what it might be? The car had an oil & filter change approx 5K miles ago.

Thanks!

**Ste** · 8th February 2010, 11:46

I wonder if it could be timing belt tension....

**dilan** · 8th February 2010, 12:58

don't know if it's a 1.8 thing but mine is 1.8 sri serviced last week and only done 27k and it's also quite rattly/tappety........i think it's a trait of this engine tbh

**cphaza** · 8th February 2010, 14:39

depends how tappety...have you taken the oil cap off (carefully) while idleing to see if oil is getting up to the top?

**dilan** · 8th February 2010, 17:41

i'll give it a look tomoz, cheers for the advice...is there anything that can be done if it turns out not enough oil getting up there or something

**dh.dti** · 8th February 2010, 18:49

my oil burner doesn't tappety tap

**paul wingnut** · 8th February 2010, 19:12

if its the z18xer engine fitted in all 1.8 after 2007 i think . they have problems with cam pulleys for variable valve timing also need fully syn oil as well

**67688c** · 8th February 2010, 19:28

Originally Posted by paul wingnut

if its the z18xer engine fitted in all 1.8 after 2007 i think . they have problems with cam pulleys for variable valve timing also need fully syn oil as well

The above problem tended to show up mainly when the engine is first started from cold, as the oil needed for the pulley hydraulic tensioners had a habit of draining back when left over night. Modifed oil valves were later fitted to try and effect a cure. This problem was very prominent on the 1.8vvt engine on the new Insigni'a also, until VX introduced some modified one way oil valves 3 months after I complained.
----------------

What may be causing the OP noise is the 'Tank Vent Solenoid' I had one go faulty myself on a 1.8vvt Insignia and they can be really noisy.. like a very loud tapping noise. When mine did it, at its worst...my wife and I thought there was a helicopter hovering right above us it was so bad.

Even normally the vent solenoid will make a little noise but usually more of a ticking noise, hold your hand on it, and you can physically feel the solenoid vibrating...ie operating the valve inside. Later mods have been introduced by VX to try and insulate the unit with a special rubber mount as most of the noise originally was being caused by the unit resonating through the car bodywork. Certainly worth checking out, and can quickly be eliminated if not faulty.