More Lifters...

[CobraSix]

It must be lifter time of year. Got a puzzler. I'm not sure the lifter is the actual problem or a symptom of other problems.

Over the last couple of weeks, I definitly have been getting a lifter ticking from my engine. It only happens at low RPMs. It will go away if I rev the engine up some and then let it come back to idle. After about 30 seconds at idle, the lifter tick will come back.

So, I was wondering. Is this a symptom of a clogged oil passage, or a dieing pump, or just one bad lifter that is having issues? The lifters only have about 30k miles on them (2 years old). I'm not having a problem with oil pressure according to the idiot light.

Slade

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Slade:

Most likely you've got/getting one or two sticky lifters. What you described about it going away as you rev the engine sounds right. The righer revs create more oil pressure. More oil pressure forces oil into more tight or sticky places. Does changing the oil and filter effect the symptoms? What weight oil are you using? Have you tried and additive?

I seem to recall that you have adjustible rocker arms on your engine. If so, you might try tightening the pre-load on the loose ones.

Way back in the old days we used to add a quart of ATF to a '53 chevy six to free up the sticky lifters. I'm not sure if it was the high detergent nature of the ATF or the light weight, but it would unstick the lifter- for a while. I don't recommend that anymore. There are better/safer commercial products available, if needed.

Hope that's helpful.

Adios, David

 

[CobraSix]

I just changed the oil 1000 miles ago. Filter too. I do have adjustables and I will dive in an check them. I'm currently running 10w40 conventional oil. I'm going to be swinging by Autozone to get an additive.

I just wanted to see if it was other possible problems. The thought just crossed my mind.

Slade

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back Slade:

That all sounds great. A couple other thoughts crossed my mind, but if you're getting oil, quickly to the front rockers on start up, these won't be a problem.

Oil up through the back tapered head bolt.
Oil moving through the transfer slot in the head deck and head gasket. This will only be a problem if you milled the head or got the head gasket on wrong.

Adios, David

 

[CobraSix]

Interesting, the head was milled, but I don't get a lot of tapping upon start up.

I'm heading to AZ today anyways, so I'll pick up some stuff.

Slade.

 

[wsa111]

Slade, David covered your options to perfection. I don't think you need 10w-40 oil. Switch to a synthetic oil in the 10w-30 or even in your area 5w-30. Like david said check your lifter preload settings on your rocker arms? If the noise still persisted it may be an exhaust leak?? Or can you pinpoint it to a certain cylinder possible piston pin noise or piston noise, especially if the noise goes away after warm up. Keep us in the loop.
william