Valve Tick Since Oil Change
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: Berea Kentucky
Valve Tick Since Oil Change
I bought a new (to me) 1999 Corvette a few weeks ago and just did first oil change -- 6.4 quarts of Mobile1 5W30 and a WIX filter. A couple days later, I started hearing significant valve tick and I noticed my oil pressure is higher now.
The tick is worst just above idle when the engine is cold. The tick vanishes almost completely after the engine is FULLY (20+ min of driving) warm. Also the oil pressure goes back to where I'm used to seeing it once fully warm.
Using my stethoscope, I found the majority of the tick (maybe all of it) is coming from the front of the right bank.
Current Coolant Temperature vs Oil Pressure
65 Deg F: 50 psi @ idle
120 Deg F: 61 psi @ 1700 RPM
180 Deg F: 49 psi @ 1700 RPM
212 Deg F: 35 psi @ idle
These are all higher than they used to be, by 10-20 percent.
The tick is worst just above idle when the engine is cold. The tick vanishes almost completely after the engine is FULLY (20+ min of driving) warm. Also the oil pressure goes back to where I'm used to seeing it once fully warm.
Using my stethoscope, I found the majority of the tick (maybe all of it) is coming from the front of the right bank.
Current Coolant Temperature vs Oil Pressure
65 Deg F: 50 psi @ idle
120 Deg F: 61 psi @ 1700 RPM
180 Deg F: 49 psi @ 1700 RPM
212 Deg F: 35 psi @ idle
These are all higher than they used to be, by 10-20 percent.
Last edited by Ryan H; May 11, 2017 at 02:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: Berea Kentucky
Just let out 2 quarts of 5W30 and replaced with 0w20. The tick is gone. I'm guessing that means I need lifters? If so, should I do a cam at the same time? I wouldn't mind a few more ponies. What do you guys think?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,013
Likes: 726
I bought a new (to me) 1999 Corvette a few weeks ago and just did first oil change -- 6.4 quarts of Mobile1 5W30 and a WIX filter. A couple days later, I started hearing significant valve tick and I noticed my oil pressure is higher now.
The tick is worst just above idle when the engine is cold. The tick vanishes almost completely after the engine is FULLY (20+ min of driving) warm. Also the oil pressure goes back to where I'm used to seeing it once fully warm.
Using my stethoscope, I found the majority of the tick (maybe all of it) is coming from the front of the right bank.
Current Coolant Temperature vs Oil Pressure
65 Deg F: 50 psi @ idle
120 Deg F: 61 psi @ 1700 RPM
180 Deg F: 49 psi @ 1700 RPM
212 Deg F: 35 psi @ idle
These are all higher than they used to be, by 10-20 percent.
The tick is worst just above idle when the engine is cold. The tick vanishes almost completely after the engine is FULLY (20+ min of driving) warm. Also the oil pressure goes back to where I'm used to seeing it once fully warm.
Using my stethoscope, I found the majority of the tick (maybe all of it) is coming from the front of the right bank.
Current Coolant Temperature vs Oil Pressure
65 Deg F: 50 psi @ idle
120 Deg F: 61 psi @ 1700 RPM
180 Deg F: 49 psi @ 1700 RPM
212 Deg F: 35 psi @ idle
These are all higher than they used to be, by 10-20 percent.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 711
Likes: 76
From: Atlantic Pa
A lot of used car lots back in the day used thick heavy oil to quiet a noisy engine and get it to stop smoking in order to dump their inventory . Perhaps the seller was not honest about the condition . Was your old oil thick and black
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,187
Likes: 266
From: Virginia
I have a tapping sound that I believe to be a lifter on cold cranks or if the car sits for more than a couple hours. No matter what oil I use it is there until op temp. Do you have a video or sound clip of the tick?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 104
From: Romeoville, IL
I have the same thing on cold starts I can hear 1 lifter tapping. It doesn't get loud with revs and when it warms up it goes away.
Plan to replace the cam and lifters next year. Just cant afford it this year.
Plan to replace the cam and lifters next year. Just cant afford it this year.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,187
Likes: 266
From: Virginia
I am in the same boat I believe it is only one lifter that I can hear. I have a baby on the way and can't really afford to replace everything at the moment. I know that over time it will eventually do some damage but since it completely disappears once warm I am hoping that for a while I'll be okay
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 157
From: Pennsylvania
Try pouring in a quart of atf in the oil and letting it run for a half hour or so then changing the oil. ATF has a ton of cleaners in it and if your lifter is just dirty it will clean it out. I have seen this trick quiet down many vehicles but if the lifter is mechanically worn out and not just dirty it will not fix anything.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: Berea Kentucky
Thanks for all the replies guys. I have also always had a tick if I don't drive it for a few days.
v8srfun, that ATF trick is a good idea. I'll try that next time I change the oil... which will be soon, since I don't really know my effective viscosity now. Do you think I would be wise to run some cheap oil (e.g. Walmart brand 5W30) though after the ATF, and then drain and refill with good stuff?
Lastly, and I know there's probably another post on this, is there anyone that has put in a MILD cam they like. I love how smooth it runs now, and I don't want to loose that. I "just" want to get over 400, if possible. Current mods are Borla cat back and a K&N, so I probably need 30 to get over 400;
v8srfun, that ATF trick is a good idea. I'll try that next time I change the oil... which will be soon, since I don't really know my effective viscosity now. Do you think I would be wise to run some cheap oil (e.g. Walmart brand 5W30) though after the ATF, and then drain and refill with good stuff?
Lastly, and I know there's probably another post on this, is there anyone that has put in a MILD cam they like. I love how smooth it runs now, and I don't want to loose that. I "just" want to get over 400, if possible. Current mods are Borla cat back and a K&N, so I probably need 30 to get over 400;
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 157
From: Pennsylvania
If you change the oil hot you will get enough of it out on the first change. It will not cause any damage to leave a little behind I actually knew a few old timers that would run with a cup of atf in every oil change just to keep the inside of there engine nice and clean.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: Berea Kentucky
Good to know. Hey thanks again!
As soon as I change the oil I'll resurrect this thread and let you know how it goes. Hopefully they're just clogged, and it's not mechanical wear.
As soon as I change the oil I'll resurrect this thread and let you know how it goes. Hopefully they're just clogged, and it's not mechanical wear.
