What I believe is lifter tick....

[1996BLKBauer]

So for a while now, ever since I went to Indianapolis in August, I have had what I believe is lifter tick, I have checked multiple times and it is not an exhaust leak. So I think it is lifter tick, and I want it gone, no matter how warm the engine gets it is always there. I run full syn 5w30, and the engine still has plenty of power, but it is always there, which is annoying to me. so what do I do? Seeing as it is almost tax season, I could replace said lifters, but the I would be tempted to replace the cam, water pump, pushrods, and valve springs. which would eat up my money fro some headers, so should I just deal with it? or am I doing damage in some way?

 

[my98nnj]

Exhaust manifold leaks tick. My H2 has a broken stud on the manifold and sounds exactly like a valve tick. How did you check and make absolutely sure you don't have a leak in the exhaust manifold which is common on your engine???

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Exhaust manifold leaks tick. My H2 has a broken stud on the manifold and sounds exactly like a valve tick. How did you check and make absolutely sure you don't have a leak in the exhaust manifold which is common on your engine???

Well i feel comfortable after looking over each side multiple times and not find one broken bolt, or crack, now I could be missing something, but I am 99% sure it is not an exhaust leak.

 

[1992fordgreen]

Subbed just because I'm interested on how to fix this...

 

[SoNic67]

I could replace said lifters, but the I would be tempted to replace the cam, water pump, pushrods, and valve springs. which would eat up my money fro some headers, so should I just deal with it? or am I doing damage in some way?

I am running with a weak lifter for over 2 years now. I paid somebody to adjust the lifters and the noise minimized.
I also have chronic low oil pressure at idle (I run 5W40 or even 5W50 synthetic to have decent pressure at idle with warm engine).
I decided to wait and swap the whole engine with a rebuilt one - instead of going the route you describe. A whole engine I can get with under $2k and labor to install it is less.

 

[masospaghetti]

Does it get louder with more throttle, or is it pretty constant?

 

[1996BLKBauer]

It doesn't nessasarly get louder, but it increases with engine rpm, after a certain rpm range it does almost stop, along with after about 40 minutes of driving I can not hear it anymore. The labor involved in doing this is no issue, I am totally able to do any work, just want to be 100% positive that what I do will fix the issue.

 

[nolimitssjca]

I solved my tick with new fuel injectors. Bad spray patterns can cause all sorts of burn behavior.

 

[JusTheUsual]

I was going to say bad valve cover gaskets will make a tick also

 

[crunchie_frog]

I believe I have the same problem. I have been over every inch of the exhaust and I cannot find a leak, carbon tracks, broken bolts or anything. I put a stethoscope on the valve covers and it is not clear to me that is where the noise is coming from, but I put it on the exhaust (both sides, multiple places) and the noise is not as loud as from the valve covers. Like you, before I plow into the engine, I want to be sure this is the problem. I am going to try Marvel Mystery oil to see if that changes anything.