Peugeot 307 1.6 TU5JP4, Tap,Tap,Tap,Tap......

[Bannedbiker]

Hi all,
Having a little issue with my 2003, 53 plate Peugeot 307 1.6S. It has the TU5JP4 petrol engine.
A couple of months ago a tapping noise started, like a noisy hydraulic cam follower.
I hoped it would fix itself but it carried on.
Two weekends ago I thought I'd remove the cam followers, dismantle them and clean them out. Result, still tapped.
The engine oil had been changed so new clean oil was in the engine, and I'd checked the oil galleries were clear.
Camshafts were in perfect condition. Can't see any visible problems.
Last weekend I replaced the cam followers with new ones. Still tapped.
The noise is definitely coming from the cylinder head area.
Has anyone else had a similar problem with these engines, or is there a common problem they suffer from as I've run out of ideas.

Many thanks,
Martin.

[Bannedbiker]

Don't worry, found the problem.

[Hell Razor5543]

You fitted the wrong tap washers?

[Bannedbiker]

You fitted the wrong tap washers?

Almost.
They say to check the simple things first.
The noise the engine was making sounded exactly like every one I've heard with a noisy tappet.
Like a Chrysler Alpine in fact.
When I went into work today and said what caused the noise they were all open mouthed.
Last night I stood there in front of the car with the bonnet open, trying to think what the cause could be. I'd used a screwdriver as a stethoscope to find the cause but all I could tell was it was coming from the cylinder head area.
Then I had a "eureka" moment, removed the coil pack and checked the spark plugs for tightness.
Bingo!!! No. 4 plug had loosened 1/8th of a turn. Re-torqued all the plugs and no tapping noise.
The funny thing is that I've never had a plug come loose in my life, and when I replaced the plugs 10,000 miles ago they were torqued up to the correct setting and everything was clean. Also, the noise never got worse or the plug undid anymore, and there wasn't any reduction in power so it never crossed my mind to suspect them.
All sorted now, enjoying the peace.