Hi people

my boy just got a focus 2011 1.6 but there’s a tapping sound coming from the engine, mate says via his mechanic friend either the cam lifters or oil pressure? Anyone suffered from this and do you know if an easy fix or how expensive?? I have a video but can’t add it.

any advise would be very welcome  

thanks 

 

First check the oil level is OK and it is clean. Then take the car out for a 20min drive with revs over 3000. 70mph on a motorway would be ok.  This will pump oil under the cam lifters and should make it sound queiter. 

If the car has not be run for a while the oil under the lifers thins out and it can sound a little noisy. 

This type of engine does not have hydraulic valve lifters. Ford uses solid valve lifters for over 20 Years (the valve lash is adjusted by replacing the valve lifters, these are available in over 50 different sizes). These engines are known to have a slight tapping noise when cold but this disappears when the engine warms up. If the valve lash adjustment is correct the tapping noise will not be caused by the valve lifters.

Also be aware that the fuel injectors on this type of engine can also be quite noisy. The sound of the fuel injectors can easily be mistaken with the sound of a valve lifter (adjustment) problem.

27 minutes ago, Kevin#95 said:

First check the oil level is OK and it is clean. Then take the car out for a 20min drive with revs over 3000. 70mph on a motorway would be ok.  This will pump oil under the cam lifters and should make it sound queiter. 

If the car has not be run for a while the oil under the lifers thins out and it can sound a little noisy. 

The car probably hadn’t been used for a month or 2 but since Friday when we picked it up we’ve done several miles but as my boy is learning he’s not gunning it. In 1st 2nd and 3rd it’s fairly gutless and if u try to accelerate hard it’s very sluggish. 
after speaking with my mate he’s saying don’t go silly with it until it’s looked at. if what u say doesn’t work, would u have any other advice?

I would not worry about the tapping noise. Just make sure it is safe to drive. Brakes work OK. If the oil is dirty get it changed and with a new oil filter. Check the air filter is not dirty. See how it drives.

Also, Wilco is correct the lifters are not hydraulic so the motorway drive will not fix it. When the engine warms up the noise should quieten a little. Hope it runs OK.

13 hours ago, Kevin#95 said:

First check the oil level is OK and it is clean. Then take the car out for a 20min drive with revs over 3000. 70mph on a motorway would be ok.  This will pump oil under the cam lifters and should make it sound queiter. 

If the car has not be run for a while the oil under the lifers thins out and it can sound a little noisy. 

The car probably hadn’t been used for a month or 2 but since Friday when we picked it up we’ve done several miles but as my boy is learning he’s not gunning it. In 1st 2nd and 3rd it’s fairly gutless and if u try to accelerate hard it’s very sluggish. 
after speaking with my mate he’s saying don’t go silly with it until it’s looked at. if what u say doesn’t work, would u have any other advice?

Thanks guys, I’ve been worrying myself silly. Getting it checked out soon and hopefully all is well. 

What engine does the car have? A 2011 Focus 1.6 Petrol can either be:

A late Focus MK2.5 with:
* 1.6 Duratec 100 HP engine.
* 1.6 Duratec TI-VCT 115 HP engine.

An early Focus MK3 with:
* 1.6 Duratec TI-VCT 105 HP engine.
* 1.6 Duratec TI-VCT 125 HP engine.
* 1.6 ECOboost 150 HP engine.
* 1.6 ECOboost 182 HP engine.