Engine a "bit tappy"

[searchlight]

Hi Seen a car which includes in description engine a bit tappy but engine itself is sound. Queried this with seller and he said French cars have a reputation for being a bit tappety when cold until warmed up. I assume he means a distinctive sound which fades as the engine warms. Is he right or telling me a load of b******t? Thanks PS It's a Xsara Picasso Petrol Manual

[CanisMajor]

is it diesel?

if its petrol the big ends are on the way out, modern petrol engines don't have the old fashion tappits that need adjusting or sound like a bag of spanners. If it's diesel then it's normal up to a point but why chance it? there are thousands of cheap cars out there.

[ChuckFickens]

There's a subtle hint in the question about if it's petrol or diesel.

"It's a Xsara Picasso Petrol Manual"

[jomifl]

hydraulic cam adjusters can be a bit clattery if the oil has drained out of the oilways when the engine has stood for a while. This is sometimes caused by using cheap oil filter cartridges that do not have a built in non return valve. It should cure itself after a couple of minutes. It could also be piston slap which happens when the engine is cold and the pistons haven't reached operating temperature and haven't expanded to fit the cylinder bore properly. This should disappear when the engine is hot. But as Canis.. says, why take a chance, there are lots of cars available.

[AlBags]

Canis ... I'm sorry but you know nothing.

Hydraulic tappet noise .. hydraulic tappets a bit tired (they do get tired, as there are seals inside them)
First try replacing oil (and filter) with 15/40 from GSF parts when engine really hot. That can help a lot.

[gingejbee]

Is this a Renault? And is it a diesel automatic? Is it Italian?

[Iggle Piggle]

Beware, tappy engines could mean expensive top-of-engine repairs like blocked oilways causing worn camshaft lobes.
If the rest of the car is in great condition, it might be worth haggling the price down to cover a 'top-end rebuild', otherwise as has already been suggested, walk away.

[CanisMajor]

so I know nothing at all albags? You disagree with my comment on this and conclude that my total knowledge is 0. wow! Seldom have I heard such a crass comment.

[Iggle Piggle]

Big ends make a heavy thumping noise, mainly felt through the floor of a car, so it is hardly surprising someone thought your comments were, ahem slightly inaccurate Canis.

[CanisMajor]

big ends are no where near the floor of the car!

[CanisMajor]

ok look I'm new here I don't expect to get abuse for trying to help. I have huge experience of engines and have heard many examples of Big end issues. It was just a possibility that's all, I haven't examined the car personally. I think I'll stay out of this bit as it seems to be inhabited by fools.

[The-HouseHusband]

Iggle never said they were near the floor, just that the vibration could be felt through the floor.

[CanisMajor]

sometimes if the bearing is slightly loose through wear it can sound tappity.

[chas2008]

the guy is saying its tappety so he must know thats where the issue lies , many cars suffer with this French or otherwise, as Albags says correct oil can often help but i would like to think the seller would have gone down that route first...hydraulic tappets & cams do and can wear. Plenty of tappets for sale on the net & e bay, bit of a clue

[jomifl]

Canis.. don't take offence. it is impossible to cover every eventuality without writing a book on the subject. Most people just cover the bits of which that they have personal experience, otherwise they would be found dead at the keyboard.

[TonyV]

Canis - continue to "look and listen" know how it feels to be new and have your head bitten off after ofering sound advice

[AlBags]

Canis ...
I did say sorry before my comment ...

But this ... "is it diesel? if its petrol the big ends are on the way out"

was the ridiculous part of your reply.

And if you only had a taste of some of our experience here .. you would have been a little more careful considering your reply. We most definately ain't fools.

[CanisMajor]

sorry...but to declare that someone has zero knowledge based on one sentence with which you do not concur is an extremely good indicator of the afore mentioned appellation.

[AlBags]

Well ..
It's a damn good job you don't answer all the motoring questions, I'd say .. as we'd all have new engines or scrap cars.

PS. Love the medieval english : )