Does this oil pump have an o-ring or gasket between the supply side of the pump body and block?

Does it have a anti-return valve/backflow preventer integrated into the pump body?

The reason I am wondering is that mine was recently changed to cure a really unusual squeeling sound (which is finally cured). But now, when the car starts in the morning it sounds really tappety - like an old, beat motor. Even when it is warm it has a similar sound. Each time it last for up to 5 seconds. Seems to me that the top end is starting dry. :confused:

So, did they forget to put the o-ring/gasket in place or is this something else?

Thanks,

NR

there is a pressed steel laminated gasket... also there is another gasket under the oil pick up pipe which goes down into the sump....

the sump is bolted the the bottom of the engine clock and part of the oil pump, there is no sump gasket on this engine, they just use a silicon based sealant!

there is a pressure relief valve which in the event of an over-pressurisation on the oil circuit, it re-cirululates the excess oil back to the sump, there is no anti-reverse flow system on this engine because it isn't needed, the pump is a positive displacement duocentric type driven directly off the front of the crankshaft

if it is rattling i would suggest that the damage has allready been done, the most likely things is the camshaft housing has run dry, or the big ends...... these oil pumps are notoriously diffucult to prime.

i'll see if i can find a picture of one and i'll post it up

Thanks for the excellent info Tom. I sure hope the head is not pooched. I guess if it is, there is still almost 2 years of warranty.

You mentioned silicone... they told me that the exhaust gasket between the header and the downpipe is silicone too and the oil pan. WTH is that?

Just to clear up my interpretation of the sound... I would say that it is more of a sloppy tappeting (think unadjusted valves or exhaust gasket) sound instead of a rattle (shot bearings). Its there a few seconds and goes away promptly, not to return until I start the car again later. Fortunately, it doesn't sound like bearings... yet.

Anyway, I am taking it in tomorrow again after I give it a wash. Thankfully the dealer is willing to help in every way. I told the dealer here about Briskoda, a few or the sales reps have now checked it out. They are also interested in petrol remapping for Euro 4 compliant cars as that is the biggest complaint they get concerning the Fabia.

I will let you know how it goes.

the valves aren't adjustable on that engine. the have a hyraulic adjuster with a roller-tipped rocker arm that sits on top. my guess is that one or more of the lifters is bleeding down more than it should, causing the rattle, then as soon as it biulds up to the proper oil pressure, the rattling goes away.

the exhaust manifold gasket on this engine is a pressed laminated steel type, and the manifold-to-downpipe gasket is a metal fibre type gasket with a steel o-ring

I didn't get into the dealer yet. However, your last prognosis/guess sounds pretty accurate - about the lifter bleeding down. I guess that is still bad news, isn't it?

I will post again when I get into the dealer.

it's not terrible news really, but it does involve a top end strip down, the timing belts and the camshaft carrier will need to be removed to do this. if i were doing this job iwould replace the whole lot (all 16 lifters and all 16 rockers)

Well, if it comes to that, fortunately I have lots of warranty left.

Thanks Tom.

Sorry to bring back the dead...

But to follow up, I thought that I would let you know that the lifters are bleeding down and they are going to be replaced under warranty. I hope that solves the problem.

They also changed the battery, fixed a loose steering connection, lubricated the clutch, and I am currently trying to convince them to replace the arb because it is hooped. All that with 8000kms - hopefully it is all good now and I can enjoy my car.

Thanks once again for your help thus far Tom.

blimey, this is a blast from the past! glad you are finally getting it sorted!