Slight Ticking Noise Whilst driving

[caulkett]

Hi Gents,

Good evening to you all.


Firstly, thanks to everyone for all their input - it's fantastic to have a resource like this club. Hopefully, after few experiences with my new (2nd Hand) Megane, ill have something to add.

I picked up my 2003 (03) 1.4 16v Megane Hatch on Saturday from a non-Renault dealer. I must say, I have always been a V driver but so far, I'm loving the drive of the Megane. It has only 30,000 on the clock only had one service. The 18,000 one. It is due it's 2nd I'm sure, as it is past the two years limit (am I right?).



MY PROBLEM:

I seem to be picking up a small ticking noise and not sure where it is coming from. I may be over cautious, but would rather pick up any issues sooner rather than later.
The noise appears when I am moving, normally at slightly faster speeds than 20mph or so. If I rev the car slightly with my foot on the clutch whilst free wheeling, the noise appears and is consistent with the revs of the engine. Now when I say slight, I mean slight - even with the radio on about number 5, I can't hear the noise. I parked at the garage a few minutes ago and opened the hood up to see if I could pick anything up. If I listen carefully I can hear the ticking noise whilst idling and it sounds like its coming straight from behind the spark plug area. It is almost like a tappet sound.

Another time I hear it is when I pull off the Motorway onto a off ramp and let go of the accelerator and clutch, that is when the noise is most distinct.

Please let me know if you need more info to maybe point me in the right direction - I would appreciate any help.



I'm hoping you just say I'm being ridiculous, even with this small sound - the Megane is 10 times quieter and smoother that any VW I have ever owned. (I still love VW though as well )



Cheers Guys,

Adam

[caulkett]

Anyone had this problem?

[caulkett]

Anyone had this problem?

[Jonault]

I have a 55 reg 1.4 and according to the manual you should have it serviced at 12 months or 18,000 miles depending on which one is soonest.
As for tappet rattle, I have quite a noisy tappet on my engine. It's most audible when deceleration around the 3,100 rpm to 3,000 rpm. On the first service they told me it was the exhaust heat shield rattling, I then took it in a few months later and a Technician came for a spin with me. He acknowledged that there was a sound but was reluctant to start pulling the engine apart until the performance and fuel economy was affected. On the second service they tried to tell me that it was the manifold vibrating but I don't buy into that. I still have nearly a years worth of warranty left so it's a case of wait and see. I think that as I bought the car from TSB Carselect, the local Renault dealer isn't too keen on getting stuck in.

[caulkett]

Hi Jonault,

Thanks for the reply. So you think it is a tappet then? I should probably go have it checked out as i can still take the car back if i pick up any issues.

What fuel economy are you getting? I get about 36mpg on the open road which i didnt think was very good.

[Jonault]

Have a look at the sticky for fuel consumption at the top of the Ownership Problems section. There are a few 1.4 engines if you read through. My personal best consumption was 40.5 mpg on a 160 mile journey that was mostly motorway driving. Around town I get between 34 and 36 mpg.