What's causing the ticking noise on my Vauxhall Zafira?

I've noticed a light ticking noise coming from the engine of my Vauxhall Zafira that increases in noise and speed with the throttle. I've also noticed that there is gradual increase in speed from low gear instead of snappy acceleration I used to see.

The turbo hasn't worked in a while so I think this is something different. I also found that when I filled up the other day, it took a while for it to register on the fuel gauge where normally it would show immediately. I have recently checked and topped up the oil.

Asked on 7 October 2013 by @lex

Answered by Honest John
Presumably this is a 2.0 litre TDI? The noise might be a timing chain tensioner or it might be a hydraulic tappet not pumping up, either of which could be caused by dirty engine oil.

If the turbo is not spinning then the car is bound to be slow. That also might be due to blocked oilways to the turbo bearing. The slow fuel gauge might be due to a sticky or rusted or punctured gauge float in the tank.
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