16v Rattle/knock from head

[Philpy]

Recently my valver had developed a nasty knock from the top end. It seems to be coming from the right hand side of the head. Does it from Cold and warm. Only starts over 2.5K rpm.
It seems to loud to be the chain.... Ive now got the rocker cover off and the chain has a little slack but as said seems to loud for a chain.(and also it started making the noise instantly, whereas a chain would slowly start getting louder) How loud would a knackered lifter be?

What else could be causing this noise, defo sounds like its top end...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Philpy]

Oh and its full of oil, done about 2K since oil change using Synta

[DarnPB]

It could be a lazy tappet. Identify whether it is a tapping sound or a definate knock. Is it at engine speed or half engine speed? Half engine speed indicates a top end problem, ie, tappets, cam. Engine speen indicates a larger problem with the crankshaft and/or bearings.

[Philpy]

Umm sorry what do you mean "half engine speed" 

[DarnPB]

The camshaft rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft, so any tappet noise is easy to pick out as the frequency of the tapping sound should be half that of the engine revolutions. The distributor also turns at half the engine speed.
If engine speed equals 3000rpm, then camshaft speed will equal 1500rpm. Therefore tappet sounds will be more distinct.
If you had trouble with the crankshaft, then the noise will be more like a very fast knocking noise or even a growling noise, at it is constant with the engine rpm.

[Philpy]

OK, I get what you are saying now! Umm not sure have taken the inlet and rocker off now  Def sounded like in the head....

[dubmaster77]

I had a nasty knoking sound from my valvers head, I had what i thought was a little slack in the chain but had no other clue!!! Changed chain!! Nasty knocking sound gone!!!!

[Philpy]

Umm the only thing is the noise appeared suddenly and I would of thought a chain noise would appear slowly....

[dubmaster77]

No mate mine came on sudden sitting at a set of traffic lights took me ages to work out what was up with it! The chain is quite cheap to buy but a bit of a pain to fit! Not to serious though! just setting up th timing points needs some patience.

[rubjonny]

if it was me id get a set of new tappets & a chain, can do em all at the same time then.one thing you could do is when the cams are out is push down on all the tappets, see if you find one thats stiffer or more spongy than the rest