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EngineMedium severity

Rover V8 tappet noise and worn camshaft

Will get worse if left.

Symptoms

Ticking from the top of the engine, loss of power, rough idle.

Likely cause

Hydraulic followers sticking or collapsing, often from old oil. Early camshafts wear when the oil is not changed.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Change oil and use a flush

    Fresh oil sometimes frees sticky followers.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Replace cam and followers

    If the cam lobes are worn, fit a new cam and followers. Never reuse old followers on a new cam.

    Difficulty:
    Experienced DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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