Inlet side “tappet noise”

[DaveTheRave]

Hi all, first time posting… I have a rapidly increasing “tappet” noise from the inlet cam area, both driver and passenger felt that this was where it was coming from. So, today, I removed the inlet cam cover, I could not see any obvious damage except for this burr on the left side of the cam lobe (pic attached). I can only think of this being because of the famous tappet guide loosening issue. I did also check a couple of valve clearances and they were spot on, I must admit to not checking this one, D’oh! I’d like the forum’s opinions if this will be fixed with a hold down kit? Or could the problem be something else?

Cheers, David

[abowie]

From that wear pattern it does look like the side of the tip of the lobe is hitting something. The right side might also be worn.

The sides of the lobe are pretty irregular too. I wonder if someone has welded it.

[Allrand]

Are there any witness marks on the cam sleeve? Look all around the sleeve, if the sleeve is loose it can turn, so the marks won't be where you expect them to be. Also check all the sleeves it might not be the one you're looking at. Also note that a loose sleeve will not affect the valve gap.

[keithmac]

Had the same problem for 7 yrs on #1 or #2 intakes. Could not find it. Was not a shim issue as they were spot on. No sign of tappet guide lift. No witness marks, nothing. So I gave up and placed a tappet guide retainer on 1 and 2 intake as I have on all the exhaust guide. Problem gone. A quiet head for the first time. Listening to your engine "tick" at all speeds until wind noise drowns it out takes some of the fun out of driving. Good luck.