Engine Ticking Between 1500-2500Rpm. Oil Grade Choice ?

[Guest Johnboy27]

I have an old 2.0 pinto engine in my kit car that was originally from a mk4 cortina. It was professionally rebuilt quite a few years ago but has only covered about 3500 miles.

Last year the engine sounded really nice but this year it has a small rattling/ticking coming from the top end when the revs are just above tick over and then seems to quieten off around 2500rpm.It's like a noisey tappet sound.

I changed the oil n filter over the winter and used 10w40 semi synthetic, I'm wondering if this is maybe a bit thin for an old fashioned engine, people keep saying about classic 20w50.

I've just had the rocker box cover off and check the valve clearances, a couple needed a tiny bit of adjustment but not made any difference. The camshaft also looks like new.

What oils are recommended for pinto?

Thanks

[Guest Ian & Carole]

Pinto needs 20/50 also if I were you I would look at the oil spray bar as well make sure it is clear.

[Guest chris brown]

+1 for the spray bar take it off and blow it through to make sure it is clear and use new O rings when refitting. I always ran my pinto on 10/40 with no trouble at all.

[Guest Gargoil]

Check for exhaust leaks around the manifold. These can sometimes sound like a tappet/ticking noise.

[Grim]

personally, going from 10w40 to 20w50 made a significant difference to noise. Valve clearances are always worth re-checking, they are fickle things to adjust on pintos.

[Guest Johnboy27]

Thanks for the replies, yes I've checked the spray bar, I've cranked it over while the rocker cover was off and there is plenty of oil spraying onto the cam.

I can't see any black exhaust soot around any of the manifold gaskets but obviously I can see all the way round each one.

I will give it an oil n filter change anyway with 20w50 to give peace of mind.

I suppose if it's a manifold leak it might have to develop a bit more before its visible.

Thanks again