Huge Ticking when Hot idle

  • #1

    Huge Ticking when Hot idle

    Hi, I always had the normal lifter ticking at startup when cold for 2-3 seconds but now when I'm back from a ride I got a huge tick that really sound like crap at idle (like a diesel truck) (not the startup sound). The noise stops at 1000 RPM. It's not the injectors ! I hear them at 1000RPM… the rattle is 5 times louder. Oil Pressure at 2kg on highway (30lb on US gauge), 15lb minimum. Using 10w30 high mileage. I'm really not planning repair (job, kids..). What oil / additive could I use to help if possible. Engine is 291 000 KMs, did run on fresh oil for the last 22 years ! (87NA)
  • #2
    Are you sure it's not an exhaust leak due to a busted manifold stud, or cracked manifold.? They can sometimes tick and mimic a lifter noise.

    You could try and run some SeaFoam additive in the oil just before a oil change to help dissolve any gunk in the lifters.
    However the side effect of doing this means that you may be dissolving anything that is keeping a already weak seal from sealing anymore.
    Disclaimer, i've not done this myself, i get a startup tick that goes away pretty quickly.

    If the solvent helps, you might consider switching to synthetic oil if you haven't already done so.


    84 AE/Shiro #683/Shiro #820/84 Turbo
  • #3
    id be willing to bet a lifter has collapsed
    .
    Hmmm, Whats next?
    Full Size Bronco, smashing shit.

    84ZXT
  • #4
    Originally posted by shromy View Post
    id be willing to bet a lifter has collapsed
    .
    The car would run bad right ? car seems fine.

    Also I had a cracked manifold (driver) welded for a while and leaks but it was not making that sound.

    Thanks.
  • #5
    Sounds like a weak and collapsed lifter. Only issue is determining exactly which one is making the noise.

    1986 300ZX Turbo…sold
    1990 Skyline GT-R…new money pit
    2014 Juke Nismo RS 6-speed…daily
  • #6
    So that could possibly damage the engine right ? Is it something we see often on these engine (total fail/damage) ? (Because I can live with the noise).

    By the way it is NOT that noise:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2T7yUPW2T0

    It is more like if you throw some small bolts in valve cover and hear them rattling around..
  • #7
    Can you post a Video?
  • #8
    At 00:30
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOrpvcwJfSI

    Pressure when cold at 30lb, 15 when hot.
    Noise only when hot and idle.