Sure its not the EFI? I dont know that I have ever heard valve noise in my 88.

 

If it sounds like my late 88, it's the vacuum pump (do S4 Esprits have vacuum pumps?)

 

If it sounds like my late 88, it's the vacuum pump (do S4 Esprits have vacuum pumps?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVuKlMOOEWU

Eddie,
Yes and no, the S4 only uses a small electric vacuum pump for the hvac system flaps, it uses an electric booster pump for the brakes.

 

intake valve noise can be heard through a leak in the intake manifold, from either the MAP sensor port, the Tee to the fuel pressure regulator and the crank-case breather, or the charcoal canister port near the thermostat.

Checking the valve clearances is easy, changing them involves removing the cam towers and replacing shims.

 

Bob,
Something doesn't add up. You don't pull the head to do a timing belt, MY SUSPICION is that the timing belt broke, then the head comes off as valves get real intimate with Pistons at that point. Even then there shouldn't be a need to surface the head, so it could also have been a HGF? Surfacing the head can present a whole new set of problems with the esprit if not done correctly, the valve timing can be altered by removing too much material, if this is the case then adjustable cam pulleys are required. Having said all of that the esprit can be a little noisy at the top end, does it diminish as it gets hot? It's also possible that they were set at the loose end of the range, which is preferred as no noise is an indicator of too tight a clearance and results in burnt valves. It's a very easy procedure to check the valve clearances, I would start there , sooner rather than later.

 

The service was done at Park Place in Bellvue, Wash. The notation on the invoice noted a coolant lead from the head gasket, hence the head resurface. Belt, water pump were done at the same time. It slightly diminishes as it warms; I'm also wondering if its an exhaust manifold. Runs great, though....

 

At 10K miles it is due for a valve clearance check. These are not like modern hydraulic valve cars, you will get used to the clicking. If you are doing the belt then this is a great time to check clearances and add shims (if needed). It isn't a hard job, just take your time...

Best- Jeff

 

For sure, check the valves (if only to help you sleep). Then, if you need to replace the shims to re-gap them, you can do it while the timing belt is off.


There is a wealth of information regards the engine (including a timing belt remove/replace procedure) on the TurboEsprit mail-list site on Yahoo.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/TURBOESPRIT/files/tech/engine/

 

Thanks, Atwell. I was wondering where all the DIY guidance was buried...

 

Nice! Another Calypso Red 1994 like mine!

 

Great color. I agree, Kenny! Plus, I note that you were a former 928S4 owner. I just sold an '89 5-speed to make room for the S4.

 

i had the same-ish noise at idle only. it would clack. is yours at idle only? it was one of the cam sprockets (i think the intake) that had developed a worn keyway (maybe belt was too tight for too long). the cam belt tension varies as the engine turns and the valves actuate. at idle the cam would get pulled to close one valve then slap back. had to buy a new pulley to cure it.

 

Hmmm....how did you determine that the keyway was worn? Need to get a better handle on when the clatter occurs and disappears.

 

Start with a valve clearance check. It could just be a valve or 2 with a little extra clearance and as the motor warms up it closes and the noise diminishes. As they say in medical schools, when you hear hoofbeats you don't start looking for Zebras. Check out the usual suspects first. If all of the clearances check out then it is time to look for other causes.
David Teitelbaum

 

When you do the valve check, look for worn buckets (lifters) as well. My 88 had a couple buckets worn that would rock in the cam towers and clatter. Sounded exactly like a valve tick, but the valves were in spec. Just like a piston, the buckets have skirts, and they are pretty thin. My skirts were a smaller diameter than the crown of the buckets, making them rock. We will call that bucket slap... A new set of buckets from JAE and my tick disappeared. At such low mileage though chances are it is just a valve out of spec. Not too hard to check the valves, total PITA to adjust them.

 

Thanks everyone. Diving into valve clearance check this weekend. Talk to Matt at Lotus Western NY (where I bought the car) and Matt claims that from his experience, you'll always hear some valve noise on 2.2L's.

 

Matt S is a good guy. Difficult to hear though, or diagnose on the internet.

If you want, you could compare with another Esprit in your area (I'm thinking @Pete Inno)


BTW, I sent you a PM.

 

Atwell, I have been chatting with Bob a bit. I've got some valve noise as well, I'm thinking it's a leak in the manifold as I checked valve clearances about a year or so ago. I'll be pulling off the chargecooler in the next few weeks to check that air line that goes to the fuel regulator. If I find anything I'll let Bob know. Eventually we'll hook up to compare cars, he's not that far away.
BTW, Bob's S4 is the same color as mine!

Pete
94 S4

 

Congrats on your new Esprit Bob!

Does the noise vary at all on cold vs warm engine? While you and Pete are checking over your cars this weekend, be sure to check the exhaust manifold. Use a decent inspection mirror and check the undersides of all the runners. It is very common to have hairline cracks in one or more places and you can usually see evidence of small exhaust leaks there. Most of the smaller ones tend to get quiet once the manifold gets hot.

There is typically a small amount of valve noise but as was said, it's hard to diagnose if it's normal without hearing it. Maybe you could post a video if it's loud enough to record.

Cheer,
Jim

 

I actually had more valve clatter with 20W-50 in the winter, switched to 15W-50 and it was definitely less loud.

 

:up: Same here, a noticeable difference

 

Clatter sounds like muzak

 

This is for the V-8's. When I first got my Lotus the valve noise cold was bad. It would go away but it took a while till after it warmed up and the lifters pumped back up. I did some oil changes hoping it would clean the lifters and improve but it did not. Finally, just before an oil change I used an oil flush additive and ran the motor a short while on it. Did the oil change and now I hardly hear any lifter noise even when cold. This advice will NOT help anyone with a 4 cylinder motor, the lifters are NOT hydraulic, self-adjusting. Valve noise on them can only be stopped by manually adjusting them. Valve noise and exhaust leaks can be tricky, one can sound like the other or maybe you have both! The thing to do is check your valve clearances and if the noise is still there you may have exhaust leaks. It can't hurt to check the valve clearances first and should be done regularly anyway. If you do have to adjust clearances be sure to inspect the valve caps. There have been reported instances of fatigue on them here on this forum.
David Teitelbaum