[skyship007]

Originally Posted by Veedubmad

I bought this car as a non runner so i hadn't actually heard it running before i replaced the cam belt, tensioner & idler pulley so unfortunately cannot compare it to how it sounded before the cam belt splitting incident occurred.

The tapping noise seems to be a continuous noise from when its started and doesn't change over time once the engine has heated up.

It started first time no problem when i first tried, following the cam belt change so that to me says that its running as it should and the tapping is down to wear and tear ??

The engine ticks over quite normally as per the videos i posted earlier in the thread so im pretty sure the timing is on the mark (no pun intended).

Is the oil pump intake screen cleanable / replaceable and is it an easy job ?

I think i might do an oil flush, oil change & add the liqui moly oil additive i keep hearing being mentioned on these forums to see if theres any noticable improvement.

After all it has done 176,000 miles during its life time!

It's easy to check or clean the oil pump screen IF it's easy to remove the sump and that all depends on how the engine is installed in terms of main frame cross members etc. It can be a PITA on some modern cars, but very simple on olders ones.
Using a flush additive designed for use just before an oil & filter job is a good idea unless the engine has any oil leaks, as it can make them worse for a while cos sludge and varnish often help a split or worn oil seal function.
If it's rattling when cold, I doubt if the cause is low oil pressure.

Make sure you use an Xw40 in older or worn diesels, not an Xw30, as that can make them rattle more.

A compression check would be interesting if you have confirmed the timing is correct, although I would also take a real good look around the engine just to make sure it's not just something like a loose manifold bolt or broken mount causing the rattle.