on an 86 turbo that i'm looking into buying....looks like the other car won't be working out. pity =[[[[[[

tapetting coming from the engine...pretty sure its the top of the engine.

. i'm asking the guy for more specific info, he seems to think it is the lifters. i just dont want to buy a car,and then immediately have to do costly rebuild. so yeah. any suggestions? heres the add off craigslist:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/1065437138.html

and if it is the lifters,what action needs to be taken, and how urgent is it to fix it?

 

a taping sound don't describe much. small exhaust leaks sound like taping. the only way i know to tell what is is would be to listen to it, fell around manifold for small exhaust leak, make sure spark plugs are properly tightened(escaping air could possibly sound like taping).
just make sure you can confirm it's not the bottom end. my old engine had a taping when i got it and a few months later all the bearings were shot, rod and main bearing. as far as replacing the lifters(if they are the problem) i haven't had to do it so i don't know much about it. but i would replace them as soon as possible.

 

first check oil pressure at idle when warm, then listen around the valve covers and see if you can hear the lifters tapping loudly, then if all else fails, check the exhaust.

 

cold days, when i first crank up it taps for about 1 second. then it stops, i have a slight lifter tap being they need adjusted, but i wouldnt go on a rebuilding rampage. if it aint broke dont fix it, but thats just me. no need to listin tho...

 

That sounds like a good price for your area if there isn't a lot of rust. And if he's willing to negotiate then go check it out. If it's lifter tap, you won't have to do any rebuilding anytime soon. You could live with it, rebuild the lifters, or replace the lifters. You can't adjust them. He's been running a bigger turbo and a BOV so be sure to pull the plugs and see if you can tell if there's been a lot of detonation going on.

 

alright. i may or may not go look at it....thanks for the input guys.