my vectra sounds like its tapping or ticking it stopped after recent oil change id say it sounds more like a tick than it tapping it seems to be coming from the alternator but not sure or is this me hoping its not the valves? could it be alternator if so how can it be sorted?

cherry, July 2009

hi thanks for reply i had the downpipe gasket replaced and gobbed it up with gunk and it seems fine small blow there but nothing that would indicate the noise will try the other oil additive stuff any idea what its called and is it a serious problem?

cherry, July 2009

If it went away after the oil change it's most likely a sticky hydraulic valve lifter.
There oil additives available from Halfords etc. which claim to help.
Another common fault on these is a leaky exhaust manifold, which causes a ticking sound which generally fades as the engine warms up.
This is usually caused by a small crack in the manifold or failure/loosening of the manifold bolts at the alternator end of the engine. You will have to remove the heat shield to get a proper look.

gibby, July 2009