Hi guys i will set up a build thread in the Members area soon but i have a slight issue/maybe a big one my 1275 gt has rattled ever since i got it last week so...

Today I set my Tappet Clearances (0.012") on my 1275 and it still rattles like a MoFo. What causes this? ( whats gone bung I'm a competent DIY mechanic just been a few years since i worked with an A series)
any speculation would be appreciated
cheers
Andy

Are you sure it's the valve train?
I take it the rattle is coming from the top of the engine?

What about something like the radiator shroud not tight, or even a stretched timing chain?

Have you tried the old long screwdriver and used it as a stethoscope to locate it?

Cheers Shane

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If it's not a Cooper S, the mini was designed to be modified!

A worn rocker shaft or rockers will allow movement.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Its coming from the top of the engine and as you rev up the rattle/tick speeds up with it! rockers have a bluey tinge to them

this is good guys! anything else i should be inspecting?

Did adjusting the tappets alter the noise at all? If there was no change your problem is probably elsewhere.

they rattled to start with so my first thoughts were to adjust = they were well out but it still rattles like it did before adjustment!
kinda stumped is it the lifters/followers?

If your game - then take off the rocker cover and start the car. With it at idle you should be able to track the noise easier and even hold your finger down on top of each rocker in turn to feel and hear any difference. You might get lucky.
Works a treat with hydraulic lifters on fords.

Thats a good idea will try that on sunday when i can get near the car again

The sintered rockers used on most 1275s are unbushed and can wear bad, my ex-boss had one wear so thin on the bottom that the rocker broke in half and was lying on the head. At least that one stopped rattling...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

thanks for the comments guys i'll update in 2 days after further diagnosis its probaly is the rockers

If the rocker shaft has been out or replaced then i would be checking the oil-feed-hole hasn`t been blocked (in the pillars) the new shafts have the hole on the 2nd pillar, but the oil-feed-hole in the head aligns with the first pillar
so , maybe you have the later sintered type rockers too, which wear quite horribly, but if there`s no oil getting to them then you will have some nastey stuff to fix
So, the question is--> how wet are your rockers?

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

they appear to be wet

here what the rockers look like


head is a 12G940 , Ive also warmed the engine the taken the cover off then as its idling put a finger on each rocker 1 by one to see if that makes a difference in sound = nope!
engine has been rebuilt at some point Estimated 30,000ks ago
any other ideas lads?

For my own education...Should the rockers be centered over the valve stems?

Might be the pic but some off the rockers look close to the washers