lifter clatter/oil questionz

[turbowop]

So the last time (first time since purchased) I changed the oil in 503 I went with Mobil One synthetic 10w40. I noticed when it got colder I started to get some lifter clatter. The car has newer 3g lifters, but I figured maybe one was crap. I've been living with it for awhile now, no biggie. It goes away when out on the freeway anyway.

Fast forward to today. I checked the oil and was a quart low, so before heading out to go skiing this morning I stopped by the local Fred Meyer since the auto parts stores weren't open yet. Not as much selection so I opted for a quart of Castrol GTX 10w40 non-synthetic. Now the damn thing is quiet as can be. Not a hint of lifter tick the whole day. Idle, cruise, around town, etc. WTF? I'll just start using Castrol dino oil in this thing if it's gonna keep me from having to change out any lifters. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

 

[4thStroke]

Ive always had good luck with the Castrol dino blends. I get a little tick in the morning until it starts to warm up and its gone. My motor has 191k and completely stock inside. I like dino oils better for high mileage cars as it is and its given me no reason to switch.

 

[14u2nV]

my car told me it was a quart low by starting to tick. Sounds like yours was just trying to get your attention. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[turbowop]

Naw, it was ticking even when it was to the full mark on the dipstick.

 

[14u2nV]

No dammit, it was talking to you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif

 

[Brianawd]

I have always had lifters that tick with using mobile 1. But it was always just on start up for a few mins. After I switched to Royal purple I never had that problem. I am also thinking about trying one of these this year.

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[ktmrider]

I noticed more valvetrain noise with Mobil-1 than with Purple or Castrol ( dino or part synthetic ).
Also noticed with all the lifters were louder when the oil level was low(er). Ultimately I found the oil pump bolts were loose and obviously leaky. Since repair things are quiet despite having Mobil in the crankcase but I only got a few hundred miles on her so far.
Small hypothesis is lower oil pressure could contribute to the valvetrain noise. Unfortunately I don't have a pressure gauge to back this up...

 

[turbowop]

Quoting Brianawd:
I have always had lifters that tick with using mobile 1. But it was always just on start up for a few mins. After I switched to Royal purple I never had that problem. I am also thinking about trying one of these this year.

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I've never had an issue in 1051 using Mobil One 15w50. I guess I'll just use dino oil in 503. Finicky POS's. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif