Light tapping sound...

[abellia]

Hello all - I'm hearing a tapping sound coming from my cylinder head. It's sound like the seconds from a watch but only sync'd with the revs of the engine. I've notice no performance degradation. Can anyone point me to the probable cause.

 

[epj3]

Hello all - I'm hearing a tapping sound coming from my cylinder head. It's sound like the seconds from a watch but only sync'd with the revs of the engine. I've notice no performance degradation. Can anyone point me to the probable cause.

They all do it, all you need is a valve adjustment.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E30-Valve_Adjust/E30-Valve_Adjust.htm

BTW they say its difficuly level 4, it's not much worse than changing spark plugs.

 

[abellia]

Thanks. How often is a valve job necessary. The car has close to 60,000 miles..

 

[epj3]

Thanks. How often is a valve job necessary. The car has close to 60,000 miles..

Every 10-15k to keep it running well (it'll never be quiet though)

 

[abellia]

oopsss. Looks like I'm overdue. Thanks, will take car of it this weekend along with timing belt.