Tick tick ticking

[Paul Jones]

Hi all, Ive got a ticking or taping noise on tick over. its only there on tick over and goes as soon as you go above 1000 rev it goes. I seem to think that maybe its generic. it could be something else ??
Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks

[Dave Linkson]

Does it sound like the ticking is coming from the top of the engine? If so, check valve clearances.

If you can tell if the ticking is from the front of the engine then it's possible the water pump is failing, worn bearings on this and the impeller can move around catching inside, is there any coolant dripping from bottom of the pump? Is temp gauge around the N?

[Paul Jones]

Thanks for the reply. No its not tappets they are all good and its a new water pump. it sounds like tappets but it isn't. Im thinking a loose cam follower. I really wanted to find out if it a generic sound ?
Thanks

[Paul Jones]

Not normal then ????

[Dave Linkson]

Have you asked the question on MG Experience forum? would think you'd get more response for this specific problem.

[George Wilder]

Paul
If you ask on MG Experience - largely an American forum - you are likely to get all sorts of weird and wonderful suggestions, some may be good some pure speculation.

You mention a new water pump. Were the fan blades ( if you have a mechanical fan ) mounted correctly on the water pump?
Loose blades could cause the sort of noise you describe.

Noises such as this you describe can be very difficult to track down via a forum. It's best to let someone who knows these cars to have a listen.

I cannot tell were you are from your posting details - maybe if we knew a local Register member could help.

[Jim Haines]

If you have an original type of distributor - i.e. not electronic - is it possible that the distributor advance and retard mechanism is making this noise???? A stethoscope tool would soon locate it....

[Peter Cresswell]

...or a long screwdriver to put your ear against the handle. Don't stick it in the fan blades though!

[Dave Linkson]

MG Experience although American, MGBs are basically the same the world over, and though you may get some weird & wonderful suggestions, that can be said of any forum, the cars do have some weird traits, and we need all the help & suggestions we can get sometimes.
The water pumps already been mentioned, and states it's not that.

[David Lonsdale]

I remember having this sort of problem on the B I owned in the 70's it was a 1967 model. I vaguely remembered that it had something to do with the metal cooling fan slopping about at tickover. If you have a Haynes manual have a look at page 55 9.3 bottom left hand corner, cushioning grommets. I'm pretty sure I renewed the grommets and the noise stopped, might be worth checking if you've got a metal cooling fan, if you haven't it won't help you much, good luck.