So I have "Lifter Tick"...What do?

[Starf1sh]

Started to hear a ticking sound while driving, usually came up around 2400rpm. Took it in today and the mechanics say it's coming from within the engine, that the sound is related to a lifter. Having been told that I've been trying to find solutions to the problem. Some people say it's nothing to worry about while others say the opposite. I've read that an oil change can fix this sort of problem, or by adding in some kind of cleaner with oil to try and relieve stuck/sticky lifters.

Basically, I'm no big car wiz and I don't want to break the bank to fix the problem. Thought about getting another head but I don't think I'd be able to do the work myself nor would I be able to afford it. I guess what I'm asking here is if this is something I should really be concerned with, and how should I go about fixing it?

 

[tweety2300]

Mines been ticking away for 2 years now

 

[Starf1sh]

Doesn't it bother you?

 

[JiggaBro]

mine ticks at cold start for a few seconds and is only noticeable by me after that.
been like that for almost 2 years.
you can reduce it by going with a heavier oil... but i dont like doing that

 

[tweety2300]

It's not that loud I can't even hear it over the ac on 2. Lifters aren't loud except on cold starts. If its really loud it may be a rod bearing

 

[Starf1sh]

I expected it to be a rod bearing from what I found online before taking it in. It's loud enough to be heard, hard to miss it. Rod bearing is just as difficult to replace/fix as a lifter isn't it? I also read that ticking/rattling sounds can come from heat shields, not sure how likely that is though in this case.

 

[tweety2300]

I doubt it's heat shields if it's rpm dependent but it is possible. The only way to find out is wait a month, if it gets worse its a rod bearing if it doesn't it's a lifter or heat shield. A ticking lifter won't hurt anything if anything at all the valve won't open all the way and there will be an unnoticeable loss of power.

Do an oil change yourself if it's a lifter it will stop for a lil bit due to more oil in the head. It could just need an oil change my moms vibe will devolope a lifter tick when it's due and will go away after its changed

 

[Starf1sh]

You make it seem like it's nothing to worry about at all lol. I'll see if I can record the sound tomorrow, not sure how/where to upload the video. At least that way others can hear the sound.

 

[tweety2300]

You tube post a link. If its a lifter I wouldn't worry about it

 

[ihone]

I had a nasty tick on cold starts - and I tried something my dad valued very much back in the day - a bit of Marvel Mystery Oil in the oil.

I had my doubts about it, but I'll be damned if it didn't loosen up whatever crud was in there. I ran it for 500'ish miles and changed my oil (it's HIGH detergent so gotta be sure to change the oil rather soon). Ran full synthetic afterwards and never looked back....until 28k hard miles later - she puked a rod.

just my $0.02 and what worked for me.