Last week I installed a new performance head and cam on my cooper. My car at Idol sounded a lot louder then before. There is a louder knocking sound coming from the valves. The car has been running fine and I am enjoying the extra HP but now I’m a little concerned about the noise. Is this normal? Did the mechanic not adjust the valves right?

Thanks!!!

 

I thought MINI had hydraulic valve lifters.

 

Did the manufacturer of the head say anything about a knocking sound?

It doesn't seem like a normal think, but it depends on when and under what conditions you hear it.

 

I got it from Randy at Webb Motor Sports. I havent been able to get a hold of him...he's a busy man. It only happens at idol under normal condition as soon as you start it up. The head came installed with the Schr. cam. I wanted to talk to him before I took it back to the machanic to find out if the machanic screwed up. Could the machanic done something wrong? What usually happens when the head makes that knocking sound?

Thanks

 

If it clatters for a short time, like less than 20 seconds the first time you start it up, I wouldn't fret about it.

If it clatters every time it comes back to idle, then, I don't know.

I had a 5-cylinder VW QUantum engine that clattered like crazy at idle for something like 150,000 miles, so SOMETIMES, it doesn't reduce the longevity of the engine.

 

i had problem similar once and traced down to the tensioner for the timing chain, it wouldnt add pressure to the chain after being reset.....

 

When the mechanic installed the head he told me that one of the hydraulic pistons on the timing tensioner was sticking. He ordered and installed a new timing chain tensioner. Maybe he didn’t do it right. Anyway I’m going to give him a call today. I’ll keep you guys posted.

 

I get a little chatter from the hydraulic adjusters on the aftermarket head but not enough to worry. I also can only hear it with the bonnet up. The timing belt tensioner being not tight enough will definitly give you that sound tho.

 

UPDATE: It was the timing chain tensioner. It was getting stuck and not resetting when the car was in idol. It's fixed now. Thanks for all the info you guys gave me!

 

no problem, glad i could help!!