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Noisy Lifter

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Old Aug 11, 2020 | 10:30 PM
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Default Noisy Lifter

I have one lifter periodically "clicking", is there some additive that might free it up and be safe for the engine?
I'm running 10-30 full synthetic. Oil temp runs around 200, pressure 55
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Old Aug 13, 2020 | 01:33 PM
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Owners manual states 'not to exceed 10w-30". Would going to 10w-40 help any and would it really be detrimental to the engine in any way?
Please give me SOME feedback
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Old Aug 13, 2020 | 04:19 PM
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Specifying year, engine and mileage in one of your posts might be helpful.
That said, the last time I had lifter noise in my LT4, I tried a couple of additives that made no difference, so I ended up replacing all the lifters.
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Old Aug 13, 2020 | 04:28 PM
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If the lifter is gummed up, you might try something with a high detergent. I have used Marvel Mystery Oil in the past with good results on an old 64 Slant 6 engine. My dad & I ran it in the car for a couple of oils changes, replacing 1 qt of oil with the MMO... It loosened up whatever gum was making the lifter stick and it never did it again. Im not saying that will work for you, but it did for us in that case.
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Old Aug 13, 2020 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by RUU
Specifying year, engine and mileage in one of your posts might be helpful.
That said, the last time I had lifter noise in my LT4, I tried a couple of additives that made no difference, so I ended up replacing all the lifters.
1985, shown in my picture, TPI 73,000 Miles
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Old Aug 13, 2020 | 05:51 PM
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Drain out 1 Qt. of oil and replace with 1 Qt. of kerosene but do not run the engine hard not even once. With the kerosene added the oil now has less viscosity and less film strength. That's why you don't beat on it, you run the risk of wiping out the bearings. Put 100 miles on it and then change oil and filter, it should clean the lifters and quiet them.
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Old Aug 13, 2020 | 07:36 PM
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Hi the early C4 and 85 had issues with cam lobe wear and lifters, that could be the cause for the noise.
Don't forget the rocker adjust nuts can move if they dont grip tight, i had one do that till i replaced them with new.
I would loosen the rockers and set the valve lash again, look on google which rocker to adjust at what crank angle.
Then rotate the pushrod with your fingers as you tighten the nut, then when resistance is felt or you cannot turn it tighten one full turn.
Should be good and quiet then, I ran Penrite 10W40 oil in my old 85 motor till i replaced it at 170,000 miles and had no issues.
Only replaced the engine as the blowby from running a supercharger and resultant oil leaks annoyed me, the engine looked great would have done another 170,000 miles with new rings as the bearings and pistons were fine.

Last edited by gerardvg; Aug 13, 2020 at 07:41 PM.
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Old Aug 13, 2020 | 09:12 PM
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one additive that i know works on sticky lifters is Marvel Mystery oil. if the noise doesn't stop in minutes,you have a different problem.
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