Selling your classic car? It's FREE to list your car on Honest John Classics | No thanks

A classic Rolls Royce I'm considering buying has a noise from the hydraulic tappet - will an oil change solve this?

I'm looking at buying a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 2. The car is excellent with a new MoT by a trusted specialist but the engine has a tap from a hydraulic tappet. It has had little recent use and it is suggested that an oil change and use will correct the noise. Is this likely?

Asked on 6 December 2018 by Hugh Mayes

Answered by Keith Moody
You don't mention how many miles the engine has covered or if it's had any work done so it's hard to say. Yes, use and fresh (correct grade) engine oil could cure this problem. But you may also need to replace the tappet if the car has frequently missed oil changes or had the wrong grade of oil used. Worst case scenario is that oil starvation could have also damaged the camshaft.
Similar questions
I have a 2011 FIAT 500 1.3 MultiJet diesel purchased in March 2016. I've had a problem with sporadic engine noise, vibration and black smoke coming out of the exhaust. I've been told there is nothing wrong...
I've had my 1986 Vauxhall Cavalier Convertible Mk2 for a couple of years now and have enjoyed driving it in good spells of weather. Is there any advantage in declaring the car SORN for the cold months...
What are the consequences of mixing Castrol xl 20w/50 with synthetic Penrite 20w/50 classic oil?
Related models
Lots to choose from, low values, excellent build quality
 

Compare classic car insurance quotes and buy online. A friendly service offering access to a range of policies and benefits.

Get a quote