Even since I kinda over-heated my engine on a long drive at 100kph (engine was pinging under load, even when i slowed down to 80kph - but hoodjax fixed that), there's been a tappet sounding noise:
- when the engine is warm
- only when i'm keeping a constant velocity at medium/high to high revs
- regardless of whether I'm using Hoodjax or not

But there's no noise:
- when the engine is cold
- under load (when the engine is warm and upto about 95kph)
- backing off the throttle

What's wrong with my 1200?

Sounds like tappets mate. I would go there first anyway. If it was overheated then you might have streched one of the head studs. Tappet noise is sort of a clatter at speed.

Best to re-torque the head studs and the rocker bolts to spec. Then re-set the tappets.

If you cant re-torque one of the head studs , then you probably have one thats pulled from the case. Motor out to fix.

If this doesnt fix it, then it could be a more serious noise. Rod with bad big end bearing or something. More of a knocking sound tho. Usually accompanied by a drop in oil pressure too.

Only other things to check are loose fan pulleys etc.

I have torque wrench if you need to borrow one Chris.

Chris

have a look at the tappet studs there are 2 types one that stretches and eventually pulls away from the head
its a long stud taht goes through the back of the tappet area and has a thread in the lower scetion of the head

VW modified these heads tappet studs years ago but yours may have escapped

I will try n draw a pic

Gah! I hope i don't have a pulled head stud. Been there, done that. (see pic)

Thanks for the advice - I'll have to get dirty this weekend then. I've got a torque wrench and the tighening pattern in my manual - thanks for the offer mate. Should I loosen up all the nuts in reverse order first, and then retorque them all in order?

The fan pulley and fan seem to be ok, but i'll double check them..

hope you can read this

undo yr tappets and then remove the complete arms

havea look under the head up through the fins to see if you have the old type tappet stud

If so looks for some new heads ofr ones that have been modified or you can pull yours and get them do if you can find the new type shorter tappet studs

4 got to say taht once the early type have pulled you can not just try n tighten as it will keep pulling and making the tappet clearence out of wack all the time

You have to get them modified to have any hope of having the tappets stay in correct adjustement

you got a PM dave

sorry, i meant u2u... i'll give ya a call tonight if that's ok

PM is the same as u2u

PMS came to mind, but Dave is too old

yeah i was thinking PMS but i still get a stiffy is that good or what

send me yr day time phone number and i will ring u in the morn

Thanks Al