Noisy valves and lifters

Tiny
SAKI
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Is there an oil additive to reduce noise from valves and lifters, the last oil change brought noises, I read manual and says incorrect oil filter can generate starting noises and knocking, installed a motorcraft oil filter still noisy what you suggest?
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 AT 3:20 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
That noise they're referring to is a slight rattle that only lasts for a few seconds at engine start-up. It is caused by oil draining down out of some of the passages when the engine is stopped. Some oil filters do not have an internal check valve to prevent that. Normally that is not a serious problem. Ford has had some problems with wear on the ends of the pushrods causing a clicking sound but since this problem seems to have started suddenly, the best place to start is by having the oil pressure tested with a mechanical gauge. If it is low, addressing that problem will solve the noise problem. If pressure is normal, have an experienced mechanic listen to the noise to help determine what is causing it. Oil additives should not be necessary if you use good-quality oil. They won't solve mechanical problems either if that's what it turns out to be.
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Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
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I had luck quieting mine down using LUCAS oil stabilizer.
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Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Do you know what was causing the noise? Was it worn parts or just high mileage in general?
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Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
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Not real high mileage(125k) only a couple were noisy at start up 1 very noticeably. Gm 3.1 v6.
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+2
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 AT 1:46 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN BELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,345 MILES
Winn I start it in the morning it will tap on the pasenger side tell I go and it wrms up it sounds like just one is taping can I just tighten it up or can you thanks ps or if it sits for a ahour it will do it winn I start it
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCOTTY DEE
  • MECHANIC
  • 592 POSTS
There isn't a way to tighten the lifter. These engines usually have nosies from the timing chains and the oil passages in the timing chain guides/tensioner.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BANTES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 10,050 MILES
When I start my car first thing to warm up, it takes awhile to build up oil pressure, [i use thin enough oil], while its dueing that all the lifters rattle till the oil pressure is up, when the oil pressure is ok, only one lifter rattles all the time, and some times when we are going down the high way we loose all oil pressure.I was woundering if I can tighten up the lifters?
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
VALVE CLEARANCE
NOTE:All models are equipped with hydraulic valve lifters; valve adjustment is not required. If valves are noisy or incorrect clearance is suspected, worn components are indicated. Check collapsed valve lifter clearance. See appropriate article in ENGINES.

Oil Pressure
Normal oil pressure at 2000 RPM should be 40-60 psi (2.8-4.2 kg/cm2 ) with engine at normal operating temperature.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEITH BAUDUIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 10 MILES
Lifters rattle when engine starts in morning for two or more minutes.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
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You need to list the engine size when you have an engine-related problem. If the oil level is okay, you might want to try a different brand of oil filter. There needs to be a check valve in the system to prevent oil from draining out of the pump and pick-up tube when the engine is stopped. On some engines that check valve is in the oil filter. Some oil filters do not have that valve.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SPANK609
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  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
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  • 96,699 MILES
2000 explorer hearing a tapping sound from engine.A friend told me that I need a valve or lifter ajustment. Can valves or lifters be adjusted on this engine
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

It will depend on the engine type.

If it is SOHC it has Hydrolic Lash Adjuster and would most likely be the lifter and they would need to be replaced.

If Push Rod Engine then it could be either the lifters, Weak Valve Springs, worn Rocker Arms or Bent Push Rods.

.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)

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