Engine rapid loud tapping sound

[Christophe Salvain]

Hi listers

My '00 Venture (52K miles) got a rapid tapping sound today.
After an hour driving in traffic jam, I stopped in a mall.
When I started again, there was a loud "tac tac tac" that became faster as the engine speed increase.
I stopped the engine and started again. Still the same problem.
After driving 5 miles the sounds went off, but came back after a traffic light stop.
Oil & coolant level OK, no light in the instrument cluster
Before bring it to the mechanic any advices are welcome

(It seems to be a valve lifter isn't it ?)

Christophe SALVAING

Web site : http://christophe.salvaing.free.fr
Family, Cars (Ford Aerostar LPG, Chevy Suburban LPG, AMC Pacer, Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon, Pontiac Montana), Kitesurfing ...

[gcollector2002]

Hello

Just recently took my venture 03 in for a tapping noise that I was sure was a valve tap. Although I did listen with the hood up and the noise was actually less.

It seems the flywheel cover is made of plastic and warped. It was then hitting I guess the fly wheel.
The sound was only there at initial cold startup.

atleast thats what the dealer said and the noise is gone.

good luck

[Christophe Salvain]

Weird ...

The tapping sound went off ...
Engine rotate very silencer
Anyway, scared to hit the road for a 300 miles family trip to go to ski with a Gremlins under the hood ...

--
Christophe SALVAING

Web site : http://christophe.salvaing.free.fr
Family, Cars (Ford Aerostar LPG, Chevy Suburban LPG, AMC Pacer, Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon, Chevrolet Venture), Kitesurfing ...

[goat455]

Oh No! Not the rapid tapping sound. As you all know the Montana engine and Venture are the same. Same thing happened to my 97 Montana. A couple months later I get stranded off the highway and now I need a new motor. You probably have a bad head gasket and the tapping sound is where coolant has now entered your engine. Not that much to notice it in your oil, but if you pull the oil cap off I'll bet you'll see condensation around the cap and possibly some sludge. Sell it quickly while you still have a chance!