Hi all I am reaching out for help here I have built a 2.0 zetec engine there has always been a tappet noise since I started the engine but after a rolling road session the noise is unbearable it isn't affecting power.

My only guess so far is that during the replacement of the standard cams to kent cams (focus 1) the solid lifters should have been shimmed although there is no mention of this has anyone else experienced these problems with a zetec build?

Are you saying you replaced the cams but didn't re-shim the followers to set the tappet clearance... and now it rattles?

I think you might have answered your own question.

Unless the motor has hydraulic lifters, you always check the clearance when installing new/different cams. Most cams are supposed to be ground to stock base circle sizes, but they can vary. If it were me I would pull the cam cover and check the clearances to be sure. It shouldn't take more than an hour or so to check the clearances, but if you have to re-shim, then you're looking at a bit more time.

Yeah unfortunately having previously installed a series 1 zetec with hydraulic followers I now have fitted a series 3 Zetec with solid lifters do you know whether it shims i have to replace or is it the whole bucket in either case I can't seem to find anywhere to source them.

But aside from this we did get 160hp at the wheels at only 4500 rpm

quote:

---

Originally posted by chrismojo
But aside from this we did get 160hp at the wheels at only 4500 rpm

---

Which it has, just read your avatar DOH!!


[Edited on 10/3/14 by Nickp]

You need to measure the clearance then the current shim thickness, calculate the required thickness shim and fit.

shimming chart

Try this table, it'ss help you work out what's needed, the blacktop runs shims on the top of the tappets. You can get them from ford for not too much money (£2-3 each)

Regards Dan.