Hey guys, my friend's car developed an audible ticking noise last night. Its an 03 GT, he said it was low on oil. He said he ran the car for maybe 10-20 secs, he noticed the tick and shut it off, added oil to it and its still ticking. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, he gonna put it on a trailer and haul it over here. I just wanted to get some input from you guys, guesses as to what it maybe. Im gonna say its a lifter/lash adjuster. Any ideas and help tips on diagnosing it properly are appreciated.

 

You are doing the right thing by hauling the car over to your house. it would only be a guess. But who low was the oil? They all same to have some kind of a tick.When my had a tick drive side i just went up to a 10w40 am in the south. If you are up north maybe a 5w30 or a 10w30 just it move little at a time.That what i did. But dont be so fast to do it. Check the motor over good.

 

Well he said he needed an oil change, knew that but was trying to wait till xmas break to do it. I guess he just didn't keep an eye on it and it consumed below that certain point. He runs mobil 1 so hopefully its not too fugged. I heard it over the phone, doesnt sound like knock, it still behaves likes supposed to (though he just let it idle) but of course tick, tick, tick. My two hopes are 1) its not knock and 2) the cam wasn't eat up.

 

it just seems strange to happen all of the sudden, him adding oil and it not going anyway is what is most concerning. Ive been ask some friends and some say that the lifter may need to "fill" before it will lube up and go away, but he is to concerned to let run (for other than diagnostic purposes)

 

Well about all you can do is change the oil in a new clear pan to hold the oil. Then pour out slowly and look in the bottom to see what you can see.If all looks good maybe ok. If it still tick you my have go up in to a 10w30.Like i said before i had to go to a 10w40.

 

Ill keep that in mind, I looked up the part - the lash adjusters are 100 for a set of 16, but it will be nice time If it has to be replaced.