Hydraulic bucket tappets - checking free travel

Engine repair procedures - 1.05 and 1.3 litre post August 1985 / Hydraulic bucket tappets - checking free travel

1 Start the engine and run it until the radiator cooling fan has switched on once.

2 Increase engine speed to about 2500 rpm for about two minutes.

3 Irregular noises are normal when starting but should become quiet after a few minutes running.

4 If the valves are still noisy, carry out the following check to identify worn tappets.

5 Stop the engine and remove the valve cover from the cylinder head.

6 Turn the crankshaft clockwise by using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley securing bolt, until the cam of the tappet to be checked is facing upward and is not exerting any pressure on the tappet.

7 Press the tappet down using a wooden or plastic wedge (see illustration).

12.7 Checking hydraulic tappet free travel

8 If free travel of the tappet exceeds that specified, the tappet must be renewed.