Engine ticking noise on cold start

AHARTLEY

MEMBER
1995 OLDSMOBILE 88
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
165,500 MILES

The engine ticks on a cold start but after it has been ran, warmed up, I no longer hear it.

Sunday, December 6th, 2020 AT 7:57 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

Is the sound coming from the top of the engine? It could be related to the lifters. If the engine oil is clean, full, and the correct viscosity, the change from hearing it to not when it warms up is likely related to the expansion of steel. If there is excessive play when could, the engine heating up may allow that to be taken up simply from expansion.

Take a look through this link and see if anything mirrors what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

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If possible, record the sound so I can hear it. It may be helpful.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Sunday, December 6th, 2020 AT 9:28 PM

AHARTLEY

MEMBER
107 POSTS
1995 OLDSMOBILE 88
3.8L
165,500 MILES

The ticking seems to be coming from the back of the engine. It may be upper, I can't tell for sure. It sounds to me like a lifter tap. I've tried to listen on the highway but really can't tell once it's warmed up.
In the manual it reads to use 10/30 oil or 5/30 depending on how cold it gets, it won't get that cold here, however I do have 5/30 in it.
I'm not sure if it's coming from the middle cylinder. I had wondered if it might not be an exhaust tick but surely that would tick or tap all the time.

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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

Is it possible for you to record it cold so I can hear it? Also, you may want to try 10-30 if the temperatures permit.

Also, I notice you started a new thread. When you reply to me, just add to this one.

Take care and let me know.

Joe

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