Author Topic: Whats this tapping??  (Read 1645 times)

Offline 9thwonder

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Whats this tapping??
« on: 20 March 2012, 09:48 »
Right, car seems to run fine with no problems, however when i put my foot down i get a tapping noise coming from the engine. This noise does not happen on start up or idle and not at lower revs (under 3K) I only notice it when i put my foot down. If i take my foot off the accelerator a bit it goes quieter and if i take it off it stops.

My car is 1989 GTI 16v

Anyone got any ideas??

Thanks

Offline SoundillusioN

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Re: Whats this tapping??
« Reply #1 on: 20 March 2012, 09:50 »
Is it coming from the top of the engine (head)... Tappets maybe due to oil starvation?

Offline 9thwonder

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Re: Whats this tapping??
« Reply #2 on: 20 March 2012, 10:23 »
Its hard to tell as it only makes the noise when im in the car and putting my foot down doesnt seem to do it if i just rev it while its standing?


Offline dubber36

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Re: Whats this tapping??
« Reply #3 on: 20 March 2012, 11:03 »
If it's doing it underload, it could be pinking due to running a bit lean.
Red Mk6 gone replaced with a white Mk7 which has gone too. Green Mk2 here to stay.

Offline 9thwonder

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Re: Whats this tapping??
« Reply #4 on: 20 March 2012, 11:07 »
If it's doing it underload, it could be pinking due to running a bit lean.

sorry im not familiar with pinking?? Ive not done much work on cars and this is my first MK2.

How do i tell if is running lean or rich?

It doesnt seem to affect the performance of the car just doesnt sound very nice?

Offline dubber36

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Re: Whats this tapping??
« Reply #5 on: 20 March 2012, 11:59 »
Definition:

This is the pinking or rattling noise sometimes heard during acceleration that indicates detonation is occurring inside the engine (See Detonation). Spark knock can be caused by a variety of things including using low octane fuel, over-advanced ignition timing, too much compression (often due to a buildup of carbon in the combustion chamber), by an inoperative EGR valve, and/or by too much heat. If switching to a higher octane fuel doesn't cure the problem, the cause should be investigated because prolonged or heavy knocking can damage the engine.


This just a speculative answer from me, as without hearing your car, I'm only guessing.
Red Mk6 gone replaced with a white Mk7 which has gone too. Green Mk2 here to stay.

Offline daveybwoy

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Re: Whats this tapping??
« Reply #6 on: 20 March 2012, 12:19 »
As said hard to tell without hearing it but also worth checking for leaks in the exhaust in particular the manifold.  Also if you can get the manifold off check the manifold gaskets.

Offline mk2bal

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Re: Whats this tapping??
« Reply #7 on: 20 March 2012, 12:44 »
Yes it sounds like pinking. Make sure you're using 97 ron minimum fuel, and if it still does it on hot days on super or ultimate then back the dizzy off a gnats cock. Mine does it once oor twice a year and its a horrible sound! Quite quiet but awful none the less. Back off the throttle a bit for short term avoidal