Odd noise - all help appreciated!

[frogdude]

Hi all. I'm quite new to this site, but not to the Sporty - i'm on my 3rd!
My latest (a '97 with just under 100k on the clock) has started making this weird noise. It sounds like really bad tappet noise, but only starts after 30-40 minutes of driving. The temp guage never goes above half way, and there's no warning lights on. The oil/water levels dont drop at all, and its been well looked after. Once it's cooled down, the engine sound great - better than most cars of this mileage. Any ideas?

Thanks a lot
Rich

[Harry Morgan]

Frog

If you have access to an automotive stethoscope (if not, they're about $10), try using it to isolate the location of the actual noise and go from there.

I have the same water temperature issue as you do on my 02 Convertable. I'm going to see if the AutoZone guys can do a quick pressure test of the radiator... several months ago the dealer had mentioned that I had a small pin-hole leak in the very top of my radiator and recently the MIL came on (P0128 DTC), so I guess it's time to deal with it -- I plan to blow some smoke into the top of the radiator and then have them pressurize it to see if I can locate the actual leak and maybe try just soldering it, else I'll have to R&R the radiator.

Harry