cwells777
Full Access Member
Hi All,
After reading countless threads previously posted about lifter noise, I haven't seen any posts about lifter noise disappearing once the oil is warmed up. I've also seen plenty of different oil recommendations to quiet the noise from the regular 0W-40, usually 15W-50 is mentioned. However, I've also seen some opinions against using it as well. While I'm comfortable doing normal maintenance on the truck, I'm hesitant on pulling off the valve covers for closer inspection.
Pretty much wanted to start this thread to get some answers from you pros specifically related to my current headache. Greatly appreciate any input!
Truck Details:
Problem:
Questions:
After reading countless threads previously posted about lifter noise, I haven't seen any posts about lifter noise disappearing once the oil is warmed up. I've also seen plenty of different oil recommendations to quiet the noise from the regular 0W-40, usually 15W-50 is mentioned. However, I've also seen some opinions against using it as well. While I'm comfortable doing normal maintenance on the truck, I'm hesitant on pulling off the valve covers for closer inspection.
Pretty much wanted to start this thread to get some answers from you pros specifically related to my current headache. Greatly appreciate any input!
Truck Details:
- 2005 RC with 98,600 miles, stock w/ intake. Bought it with 62K
- Daily driven about 20 miles. Never taken on a track but spiritedly driven. (Calmly driven as of now)
- Oil changed every 3-5K with M1 0W-40, usually loses about 1qt every 1k miles, so is topped off regularly
- Oil pressure starts off ~75, Once warm goes to 50-75 while driving, idle sits around 25.
Problem:
- 1st started noticing the noise right before last oil change, put 1k miles on since that oil change.
- After oil change, there was no difference made in noise. Still used 0W-40 oil
- Singular tapping noise comes from the drive side valves after cold start, same consistent tapping sound even through acceleration. Completely quiet after oil temp reaches 180F during idle & accelerating.
- Added 1qt of Lucas pure synthetic oil stabilizer, no change noticed
- Cold Start-
- Exhaust after warmed up-
Questions:
- How concerned do I need to be with this lifter tap?
- Should I change to a thicker oil? If so what brand, weight & viscosity has truly worked well?
- I was talking with someone recently who said when it fails it'll pretty much spell the end of the engine. He owns a shop & said to do the lifters will be a couple grand as he would want to do new springs & push rods. Does that sound about right or should I expect a bigger bill?
- If I do go & replace the lifters, springs, & push rods is there anything else that really should be inspected/replaced while its opened up? Again not a track car, not looking to add a supercharger or anything.
- How hard is the lifters to change, is this something that can be done with some knowledgeable friends, time & patience or best left to pros?
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