Engine Ticking after oil change

I think it would be better to say a host of small problems (at this point in time) rather than Big problems as the normal result of failing lifters. I can see where it would surely lead to big problems but I have yet to see that happen personally at this point.... wait a bit, I will, ignore 'it' and 'it' will happen.

When the oil is drained and the oil galleys empty out at an oil change the lifters run dry for a period of time upon restart. With the check valves being in the shape they are now and the debris inside the lifters plugging up a timely bleed out...... A surge of oil running through the empty galleries is all it takes to push another load of debris into a lifter that is now unable to bleed out properly.

Likely its not the mechanics fault, it was a failure waiting for an excuse to happen and another oil change is very unlikely to have a different outcome. Owners, tech's, shops..... everyone is playing with different weight oils, different spec oils.... and I can see the results under the microscope. I only wish I could see those results on a car that has had known oils used throughout its life so I could say.....'Careful with that choice'.

As it stands now I can see a vast difference between sets of lifters regarding wear patterns on cars with roughly the same mileage. Saving a few bucks on using cheaper oils I suspect....... I can see where this is an area that using the best money can buy would be wise economy. I am into this about 400 lifters now and I wish I could say I knew which oils to stay away from. Alas, I am at this point I am unable to advise on that but I have strong suspicions.

I posted some photo's in the Technical Section on the results of our efforts in this area. Time will tell if our new designs will prove effective in this area but I am quite confident it will.... enough so we applied for a running upgrade patent on it.

 

There can be other reasons for ticking sound other than the usual, low oil, lifters, etc.

.. For example I recently diagnosed a loud 'ticking' sound at idle to a problem with a small air leak in a RH bank header.

After the header and gaskets where replaced the ticking went away completely.

 

Dont forget the other hundred reasons an engine might tick including;
1. Ferraris ultra-high quality exhaust Headers
2. Phycology; I have seen in many instances where the owner notices an issue after a service because they are "looking" for issues. Maybe it was there all along, just not as loud, and the slight change in oil viscosity made it more pronounced.
3. The warranty just expired
4. AC Clutch (had this tick on my 308 until it warmed up)
5. Delusional Mechanical Paranoia induced Schizophrenia; I get this when I worry about something breaking, but then I tell my self its ok, but of course I knew I would say that, I always do. So many doctors on fchat I am sure to get crap for my diagnosis, or at least that is what I am worried about, I think about it often. They are ruining everything.

 

Nice one Trent - you've only 95 to go.......

...... not to mention the secondary throttle butterfly valves chattering away if bushings a bit worn.