Hello all,

My tappets are making tapping noises (like big tapping noises) every now and then (more often than not, like upto 4,000rpm then it goes quiet) and I'm thinking about replacing them. If I do this, do the tappets also have the valve stem seals on them (trying to kill two birds with one stone).

Anyone replaced tappets before and/or got approximate pricing?

Thanks,
Aaron

First Quote (Ultra Tune Modbury) $550-$600 for tappets (includes labour, parts, gastets, etc) and if I do my valve stem seals at the same time $100-$150.

Second Quote (Mitsi Spares - Killbillies friends *hides*) $550 (max.) for the whole lot, new tappets and valve stem seals.

Hmmm, I need to get mine done soon as well. Get a few more quotes
please :)

I got a quote to get my valve stem seals done which was $350 from a local mechanic.
At the time I didn't think of getting my tappets done as they're not that bad, but now that you mention it, I'll get another quote to check.

But the Mitsu spare parts quote seems reasonable.

I have posted this several times befgore but will again.
For starters the gaskets required are 2 rocker cover gaskets, 4 rocker cover bolt seals and inlet gasket if you are so inclined. The oil filer cap gasket may as wel get changed if not already done to stop that annoying seepage. (lethal knows how pedantic I am with my engine bay lol)
The hydrolic lash adjusters can be changes with out having to do valve stem seals however while apart why not do them. Can be done head on if you are careful, there are 2 methods of doing this.
Make sure you do your cam seals as well, I believe if your careful you can avoid removing the cams however while it is apart why not go all out.

BTW this is based on the six, if you have the four ike Lethal there are not as many bits required.

Second Quote (Mitsi Spares - Killbillies friends *hides*) $550 (max.) for the whole lot, new tappets and valve stem seals.

They ripped me off! lol

One very overlooked thing with our aging cars is the fact that the motors are very well known for valve guide wear as well as valves not sealing very well.
People shudder at the 1000 od dollar bill to remove heads, check and repace any worn guides and re grind the valves. What we need to understant is that at 200k+ which most of these cars are clocking up and in most cases a lot higher it is a pissy amount to pay per km of driving and al these factors do make differences in performance.
As for quotes and cost, expensive in not always going to guarentee a good job just as cheap is not always going to be a bad job. Go where others have had good work done in the past.

Theres nothing wrong with a clean engine bay Mal, you've got me keeping more of an eye on mine now :D
Actually my oil filer cap gasket is waiting at the local mitsu spare parts for me to pick up :D

Yeah I guess that when you put it into perspective that once your valve seals & guides are replaced its going to last you a long time to say the least.

I take it you all guys are talking about the V6 motor?

I am about to start on the tappets on mine ( 2.6L ). Look pretty easy according to the manual.

Anybody done a 4 potter before ?

of those few places you got quote for fixing the tapping noice, where is it? I wanna get it done toTHanks

of those few places you got quote for fixing the tapping noice, where is it? I wanna get it done toTHanks
Still haven't got mine done - after christmas I think.

What state are you in?

I just did lethals Welsch plugs, clutch, timing chain, rear main seal, valve stem seals, lash adjusters and some other gear, all up the car is a totally different car to drive and listen to.

You wouldn't know it was the same car :o
Awesome, just awesome!

Not only that, but with Mal doing it (& me helping :D), I wasn't worried about the quality of the job as I would when taking it to a dealership or some other mechanics I know.

Oh & Mal, you forgot to add 2 x Engine mounts to that list, will have to look at receipts for the rest :lol:

does Mal come with australia-wide delivery for mechanical work? :)

Nah Kim, My gut will not fit in the 3kg express post bag lol

freight ship container? :)

nah mate the spirit is full come over here and we can fix it here lol.

BTW, off topic but how is your speedo cable ie is your speedo steady?

yep i have a nice steady speedo needle. I know what your talking about though, my mums Fiat used to have the speedo needle wobble all over the place.

only reason i ask is I replaced my cable a few days ago and the car is running much better and using less fuel as the VSS is now getting a good reading

really? Hmm, suprising that something as small as that makes a difference. I'll double check mine... cheers.

Mine was bouncing all over the shop the other day.
On the cruise actually, when we went through a few towns at 50 (in 3rd maybe) & the needle wouldn't sit still :(

I take it you all guys are talking about the V6 motor?

I am about to start on the tappets on mine ( 2.6L ). Look pretty easy according to the manual.

Anybody done a 4 potter before ?
Hi
Yes they are easy to do.
I used a Haynes manual and followed the directions.
I used compressed air to keep the valves up and changed the Lash adjusters,the valve stem oil seals and the cam shaft seal.
I took my time and followed all instructions carefully.
All worked out OK and the job was done much cheaper than going to the garage.
You need to tension eveything down correctly following specs as stated in the manual once all the parts have been fitted.
It s not that hard if you have a little basic technical knowledge and follow all instructions :rant: .

I take it you all guys are talking about the V6 motor?

I am about to start on the tappets on mine ( 2.6L ). Look pretty easy according to the manual.

Anybody done a 4 potter before ?


Replacing just the tappets is easy as, then again so are the valve stem seals, if your not confident at pulling your motor to bits find someone who is who can give you a hand, there are way to many ways to **** it up, also on the same note, dont have to many helpers. everytime i have "helpers" working on a car they tend to muck something up, now i dont let ANYONE help with reassembly of stuff, that way i know its done right