The 'E' Type Forum

Hi guys, is it normal to have a ticking sound coming from the engine like a tappet noise. Am I being too fussy thinking my 50 year old V12 should be quiet? She runs so smooth and pulls like a train

Yes

Same for me, I've been worrying about it for a few months now.
it's a tappet sound that gets louder as the engine temp increases. At cold start up you can't hear it.
I had all the tappets shimmed as well. Was concerned that something might have worked loose. Does the V12 have a valve seat that could have worked loose?
Car drives otherwise ok.
Mike

I had a similar issue that concerned me for some time. I determined that it was a cracked exhaust manifold. Replaced manifold and "ticking" ceased.

regards,

Joe

I had a similar issue, it was a blowing exhaust manifold. Sounded as you described.

Regards
Dean

+1 on a cracked manifold, albeit on a 4.2.
They can sound more ‘tappety’ than you’d expect.

If there is a crack, you should be able to see a black line of carbon where it blows by. If running, you should also be able to feel it. It should also be quite dirty, so will stand out after a clean.

kind regards
Marek

Hi my v12 had a ticking like a tappet,when i stripped the engine there was excessive wear on the bores a previous owner in the USA had knurled the piston skirts to take up the wear.After fitting new pistons and liners the ticking has gone,hope thats not your problem its very expensive
Regards