Single noisy lifter.

Post by **rguzz** » 22 Feb 2017, 19:11

After a valve job (I think). 2k mile after the work, seems quite evident when cold, goes away after 3-4 minutes of idle. Using 10w-30 synthetic, Pennzoil Platinum. Can't recall hearing this much before the valve work was done. Never done any seals in the oil pan, 200+k miles or so on motor. Suggestions? I'm pretty sure it's one lifter making the noise, not several.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 22 Feb 2017, 19:46

Have you checked/verified proper oil pressure with a gauge? Was the oil and filter a different brand/weight than what you were used to using?

What prompted the valve job?

Any idea which cylinder?

Post by **rguzz** » 23 Feb 2017, 06:24

Haven't verified oil pressure. Mann filter. #3 valve burned, zero compression. 3 valves total replaced, though. Was using 10w-40 Mobil 1, switched to 10-30 as above. Weather is mild here this year, so thicker oil could be used. I suppose could be pick up tube 0 ring issue, etc. Again, sounds like one lifter clack, somewhere near the front of the motor. Gone after 3 minutes or so at idle, sooner if I drive off right away. Oil pressure check next, then?
Was going on a 2,000 mile trip in 24 hours? Still okay? Once warmed up, runs like a top and quiet, no oil use, up to snuff.

Post by **850 LPT** » 23 Feb 2017, 06:47

Since the noise is gone when the engine is warm, I would say it's safe to drive.

Post by **rguzz** » 23 Feb 2017, 14:39

Thanks. Will take it by the shop on the way out of town. Gone again today but it took almost 15 minutes! for it to go away. I'm guessing they might not have marked the lifters too carefully, and one or more were installed in a different direction than when removed. I doubt changing oil viscosity will do anything? Anyway, this is new since the rebuild, so I will ask them to reproduce it (cold start up) and address the options. It is loud enough to be annoying, especially after an upper motor rebuild. Lifters were not replaced, which I gather is the norm in these cars.

Post by **rspi** » 24 Feb 2017, 19:07

On a '96 I don't really worry about lifter placement since they are hydraulic. It's possible that one is going bad. Hopefully they didn't use to much sealant when installing the cam cover. Is there much sealant out of the cracks?

I wouldn't think the oil viscosity would matter. I usually go 10w-30 after a head job. Probably a lifter going bad.