Help!!....engine Problem!! Knocking!!

[Jigs]

Guys, Iam seriously confused..and helpless here. Really need this issue sorting out!...

I was driving along..and I hear a tapetty noise from the engine, It seemed rather strange, the noise, not a normal diesel thing you see.. I was told to stop driving, dont want the engine seizing up, just in case, and so I am without my baby!..not too keen on expensive repairs either!..Ok, Iam gonna bullet point the symptons..
- Loud tapetty noise, both at idle, and revving (tapetty noise increasing with revving), regardless of being in gear..seems to be coming from back part, near the oil cap.. I dont think there is a loss in power, but I didnt really wanna push it too much!..
- No engine management light, nor a oil light, thinking the oil is not getting up there, (perhaps a oil pump issue)..by the way I have checked oil level!.. I am still told by a few that it could be the oil pump, but I do not wanna go into changing oil pump, its like doing the whole timing belt again, isnt it??!.. well, my water pumps hasnt been changed!..lol..
- Turbo and power is still there..Idles normally too..

Its a 2000 Tdi PD 115..only 82K on clock..and cambelt done at bout 60K, like it deserves!..

Your thoughts will be much appreciated on this, thanks...

[Huweth]

Take the oil filler cap and have a look at the oil both on it and in the cam area (if you can). Certainly sounds like an oil issue, but could possibly be the fuel pump.

[kev]

hi there, if you can take off the rocker cover and have a look at your camshaft, have seen them wear which in turn ruins the hydrauilic lifters. (tappety sound) over here (EIRE) it's becoming a common problem, not sure how much cam is, but lifters over here for a vw bora from factory 150bhp pd TDI were 22 plus vat (euro)