For about 4 months now I have had to put up with a loud metallic, pinking, tapping noise coming for the front of the car. It occurs when I am accelerating only and gets worse when accelerating up steep banks and when accelerating in high gears at low revs. The "tapping noise" is at a very fast tempo when it occurs and sounds almost like when you floor a diesel engine. When cruising at a steady speed it doesn't happen.

I would really appreciate if someone can help. I know the explaination is vague but anything would be great!

I'm thinking yours is a 16 valve engine, right?

Mine does that too, and has been fully revised. I just accept it as normal :yuck:

Mines the 8v.

I was wondering if it could be something to do with the timing?

Try some tapping oil see if the noise goes away

Yeah, those noises are usually related to low oil levels, even if the light doesn't show up... Check your oil level first of all!

i've given up...oil is fine. Perfect in fact. But thinking about it, it does make a noise as if hardly any oil is in.

I've recently been testing what could cause it on mine. I've accepted it as normal, and it seems to come from the air intake when under stress. I blame it on the age of the car.