Noisy 1.3 L

[Xtreise]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and I'm was wondering if any one out there can help me.
I have a 1995 two door Pontiac Firefly four cilinder 1.3 L.
If I'm not mistaken..in the U.S it's a "Metro" with the same motor.
The point is..about two weeks ago the car started "clacking".
Sounds like the Lifters..or Rockers.. not as loud on the highway but in idle it is and it's very anoying. I changed the oil..10w30, new filter, and even added some Lucas. The noise is still there. Some say the motor is finished. Other says it's the oil pump pressure, others say it's the lifters, or it need a valve adjustment or nothing can be done because the motor is sealed and you can't get at the lifters or valves.
I checked in my manual..it says' in the specification..(Valves in Head).
This motor only has 129000km and does not burn oil.
Is this a common thingy on these 1.3 L's..I'm just wondering cause I see many of these cars on the road and they sure as hell don't sound like mine. Oh, I did phone to Pontiac dealers..and they weren't that very helpful..there not more interested in giving advise.

I tried to find info on this on the Swift, Metro Forums...and found nothing. Does anybody have experience with this 1.3L.
Any help would be appreciated.

If I'm in the wrong POST..please re-direct me.

Regards
Pete

[MagicRat]

It does sound as if you have excessive valve lash.

My Chiltons manual says the engine has hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, (like most engines have) so no adjustment is necessary.

Then the manual utterly contradicts this statement by showing detailed instructions on how to adjust these valves.

It seems the hydraulic lifters can only compensate for a certain amount of valve train wear.
Beyond that, tiny shims needed to added on top the the lifters to compensate for additional wear.

The measuring tools and procedures for this are straightforward, but not for the amateur. An accurate feeler gauge, spring compressor tool, a micrometer and an assortment of shims specifically intended for this engine are required.

Since Fireflys have not been sold in Canada for quite a few years, and since no other Pontiac uses this engine, a typical Pontiac mechanic (I used to be one) would not be familiar with this operation. I am not surprised they were no help at all.

Try a Suzuki dealership, because this car is a Suzuki Swift in drag, and they would be more familiar with the required procedures, since the engine is similar to other Suzuki products.

Finally, it is possible there are other concerns, like low oil pressure or severely worn or broken valve train components. A mechanic could advice you further on the extent of the repair required.

However, IMO it is more likely that just the adjustment is needed, as described above.