Before anyone says to get a rebuild, i am. I know that the coolant seal has gone because white smoke comes out the exhaust at start-up and there is some moisture in the oil filler cap and i am having to top up the coolant every week or 2.

The engine is making a tinking noise that is really bad when i start up the car but dulls down when its warm.

I'm not sure what it could be (maybe the apex scratching somewhere) When i get the rebuild i'll find out. The car runs very well and starts and drives really good so I dont think its affecting much. I'm just concerned that i'm making it worse by holding off the rebuild.

Has anyone experienced this before or know what it could be?

 

The ticking noise is most likely a pulley (alternator, power steering, etc.) or just a heat shield rubbing.

A bit of smoke when starting is not necessarily a sign of a bad coolant seal, nor is moisture in the oil filler neck. Adding coolant every few weeks could just be caused by a pinhole leak. It's probably a good idea to use a dye kit and cooling system pressure tester on your car before you tear the engine apart because the problem might be a $5 hose.

 

cheers for the info dude. i always just assume the worst because i havent had much luck with cars. I'm getting the hoses and belts replaced soon, then i'll get the pressure and dye test done at the mechanics.

the radiator looks a bit worse for wear, but its probably the one that came with the car 20yrs ago. maybe i should look into getting that replaced too.

the reason i was getting a rebuild is for an extended port, but maybe i wont need one so soon, if thats all thats wrong.

Sometimes you just freak out when something happens and you do a search and it tells you all these things that have gone wrong or are happening, then you just think thats what it could be.

Cheers