Tap, Tap, Tap...

[CarGuy]

Hey All,
I recently retired my SVO from the daily drive into work. I had been using it as a driver for about 5-6 months. Now it has been sitting in the garage weeks at a time. When the car sits and I start the engine cold - it makes a tapping noise till the car warms up. I listened to it under the hood and it sounds to be within the rocker-cover. It doesn't seem to effect the cars performance - of course there isn't any noise at performing temps. I guess something is worn in the valve train - Should I take immediate action?

Regards

[Stang87]

well not sure if i am correct but it can just be sticky lifters from not being started very often.

[Eyelawdoc]

What is the mileage and general condition of the motor. It may be time to replace the HLA's. Probably one of them is sticking a bit. I suggest you pull the vave cover and eyeball things under there first.

[NY eric]

same issue

My car has been sitting for a few months (5) and I started it for the first time and I have the same tapity tap. I only lt it run for about 20 min to get the coolant flowing. I am going to spend a few hrs in the garage this weekend and see what happens.

Eric

[CarGuy]

Thanks for the responses - I'll have to keep an eye on the lifters. The engine is in pretty good condition - It has just over 80K.

[Eyelawdoc]

Originally posted by CarGuy
Thanks for the responses - I'll have to keep an eye on the lifters. The engine is in pretty good condition - It has just over 80K.

If it only has 80k on it, I'd be inclined to live with it for a while and perhaps switch to a "better" oil such as Mobil 1 as Mike suggests.

[NY eric]

checked out

I pulled my head apart this weekend. No visible signs of problems. All lifters apear to be pumped up. Or are they supposed to be that stiff (no comments pat) Atleast it is not a cracked spring or follower. now onto the next issue.

[KevinK]

One of the common problems on the NA 2.3 is the cam oil holes plug up due to poor maintenance or poor quality oil. I can't tell you how many of these I fixed. New Cam bearings and rockers will fix them up rather quickly. I never hear about this problem when it comes to the turbos and I don't know why. The good news is that it's easy to look at the cam/rocker and see the problem. Just something to keep in mind when poking around for the problem.

[NY eric]

Yes I understand

That is why I had powerheads clean out the burrs and open up the oil holes slightly to improve flow. But good info for all.

[SvoTy]

Make sure that you have a Motorcraft or one of the other oil filters with a check valve in it to keep the oil from draining back into the motor.


Ty

[NY eric]

Fram?

I have no idea if the fram ones do or not. That is all I have used for 12 years. Allong with the mobile 1

[KevinK]

This may spark some heated discussions. Fram is one on the worst ones out there for Oil filters. They have what 3 different types now. That should tell you one is not so good. Ford and Pureone are some of the best out there. Go to Kmart or Wallmart and pick up filters for $3 and change. You will have one of the best filters you can buy for under $15. Some off brands are pretty good but require some research.

This is based on testing of disected filters, reviewing assembly methods, filter media and the use of silicone for critical valve parts. You would be surprised how cheaply some are made.

[NY eric]

Topic change

Yes I have heard the same thing. I just like the cool grippy thing on the end. It makes me feel happy.