I've recently (seems like it started after my last oil change, but perhaps it could have been earlier and I just didn't hear it due to music) noticed I'm getting some 'clicking' when going up hills and stuff. That's typically an indication of the lifters being out of adjustment, isn't it? I've heard that running a higher octane will eliminate that, but I've not verified it. I also read through a search here that someone resolved theres by using Restore engine treatment (and maybe someone else with Seafoam?).

I just wanted to get a second opinion on what it probably was due to when it was occuring. Advice/insight/suggestions?

 

Sorry for the bump, but I've tried 89 octane and that didn't do much good. I don't know if it's actually getting worse, or if I'm just being paranoid, but it seems like the clicking/knocking starts sooner going up the hills now and even on lesser grades than it used to.

If left unattended, what could happen? Can lifter knock cause/lead to any mechanical damage, or is it just an annoyance?

Again, sorry for the 3 month bump. I've been distracted/busy with other things and am just now getting back to following-up on this thread.

Thank you for any help!

 

If you are only getting the ticking going up hill it sounds like detonation or an engine knock (nothing to do with the lifters). If it is an engine knock higher octane can help mask the issue. If you look on here or RPS there is a write up on how to properly get ride of this, I can't remember all the steps off hand.

 

I did some searching around and couldn't find what I was looking for, but I'll try mixing it up with some various terms. Thank you.

It also occurs on pretty flat ground, too, like when I'm accelerating at higher speeds (highway speeds).

 

You can check out this HOW TO which uses seafoam to help with this issue. I will try and look on RPS tomorrow and find the tech, it has a couple of things to do including running a 180 thermostat.

 

over time and heat oil tends to pool and solidify in and around the lifters

i suggest trying the old school automatic transmission fluid flush trick

you have to buy several crappy oil filters and 1 good 1

drain your old oil and replace plug
then fill crankcase up with 6 quarts of ATF fluid and just let idle for about 30 minutes
rev the engine a couple of times during the 30 minutes
( keep a close eye on your temp and oil gauge )

you will have to replace the oil filter several times
( the ATF fluid dislodges a-lot of gunk inside the engine and will plug up the oil filter )

 

Thanks, fellas! I have a couple cans of Sea Foam out in the garage already so I'll try that first.

Once you drain the ATF, how many oil changes is necessary to ensure you've gotten all the tranny fluid out? Does the weight & quality of the oil matter for the flushes?

 

just let it drain for a-while
residual atf fluid wont affect your engine oil
it will also help particulates being dis-lodged while you drive
( you might have crawl under the vehicle and dis-lodged any chunks that plug up the drain hole )
make sure it is good quality ATF fluid

i usually let it run for 30 minutes then let it sit over night then let it idle again in the morning for about 10 minutes ,, then drain it

 

Hmm i have never heard of anyone running only ATF to clean it. Typically whenever I have seen people use ATF they replace 1 to 3 quarts of the oil. Now I haven't tried it myself but ATF doesn't have the same lubricating properties as oil and may harm engine bearings.

 

ATF fluid is manufactured to handle extreme heat and tight tolerances in tranny`s

it can lubricate engines no problem
( as long as you do not put the engine under any load, I:E keep the tranny in neutral
when you run the engine )

i will be doing this flush when my engine reaches 60,000 km
doing regular ATF flushes keeps your engine clean inside and prevents any more sludge build-up from happening again

 

adjust your valve lashing

 

he should have hydraulic lifters