Engine 'tapping' noise?

[alnvilma]

I changed the the oil on my '93 2.3L first with 10x40 and ever since, I have had what sounds like a clicking lifter or two but only warm at an idle. I then changed oil again to 20x50 with a pint of Rislone and no change. Engine runs great. I doubt the valve cover has ever been off.
Could there possibly be a little slack in the lifter adjustment with hydraulics?
And why this noise after my first oil change as a second owner at 137k miles?
The first owner was good with frequent changes.

Thanks

 

[Razor-02]

I had the same problem. I was told by my mechanic to use my regular oil and change it until my next oil change. look at this thread. http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15935

 

[pedal2themetal45]

are you sure its a lifter and not just an exhaust leak... an exhaust leak well sound like a lifter. and wouldn't change no matter how thick the oil was.
tim

 

[Simple_serf]

WHAT?????????

I have never heard an exhaust leak of any type sound like a ticking lifter.

At that he said it's only warm at idle.

Could be a plugged lifter or something...I've never had the valve cover off of my Lima, and that's with 195K miles. I'd take the valve cover off and have a look.

BTW...10-40 is pretty thick. 20-50 is WAY too thick. I'd use 10-30 or 5-30 (which is what I use year round in my 2.5).

 

[Super95]

10-40 and 20-50 is too thick. Use 5-30 or 10-30 ASAP

 

[Derek The Great]

Try this,
Drive around a lil bit to warm up the engine, then dump a quart of valvoline dexron III atf in there. Drive for about 5 miles, then let the motor idle for another 10 minutes. Change your oil. after about 500 miles the lifter tic might just go away. Mine did the same thing, but after the stated process, its gone..

 

[pedal2themetal45]

WHAT?????????

I have never heard an exhaust leak of any type sound like a ticking lifter.

At that he said it's only warm at idle.

Could be a plugged lifter or something...I've never had the valve cover off of my Lima, and that's with 195K miles. I'd take the valve cover off and have a look.

BTW...10-40 is pretty thick. 20-50 is WAY too thick. I'd use 10-30 or 5-30 (which is what I use year round in my 2.5).

Yes some exhaust leaks well make a ticking sound.. depinding on how bad the leak is and where it is.. it is usualy a manifold gasket or the flange gasket that well make that sound.. I've heard lots of them sence I started working on cars (1966.)
Tim

 

[alnvilma]

I changed out the Bosch filter for a Motorcraft, changed out the oil for 10x30 after running the Rislone detergent for a while and no change. I'm guessing 1 or 2 lifters ticking at idle but expected some variation with all the liquid/filter changes. No exaust leak I can find feel or hear. I have heard of people trying to take up a little slack on hydraulics only to have a rough running engine so I'm hesitant. Again, this engine was so quiet till I changed the oil. It doesn't burn or leak a drop.
Can I run this at idle with the valve cover off to look for a culprit or will I find it w/o getting wet?

 

[Mark_88]

I've had exhaust ticks that sound like lifters...but not on my Ranger...

If you haven't tried Lucas oil treatment that might help...but add it to 10-30 or 5-30 and not the 20-50...your oil pump can't get it up to the lifters fast enough when it's cold and that could lead to premature wear...

If you read that article posted by Bob Ayers there's plenty of good info on oil and additives...

 

[Derek The Great]

I changed out the Bosch filter for a Motorcraft, changed out the oil for 10x30 after running the Rislone detergent for a while and no change. I'm guessing 1 or 2 lifters ticking at idle but expected some variation with all the liquid/filter changes. No exaust leak I can find feel or hear. I have heard of people trying to take up a little slack on hydraulics only to have a rough running engine so I'm hesitant. Again, this engine was so quiet till I changed the oil. It doesn't burn or leak a drop.
Can I run this at idle with the valve cover off to look for a culprit or will I find it w/o getting wet?

try the transfluid flush man, all tranny fluid is low viscosity oil with a lot of detergent. worked great for my truck