I could use some help with this noise

[GotToGo]

Hi Guys,

So I was thinking this noise was the lifter lash on my 88 2.0L U engine and decided I would check all the valves. But once I got into it I find the 88s don't have lash settings for intake and exhaust, just for the air jets. So while I was there I went ahead and set the jets to .003 and buttoned her back up. But that didn't help the noise at all. I'm hoping maybe someone here is familiar with this noise and can point me in the right direction.

Here's a link to a 3 minute video that I hope has good enough audio. You can hear right at the beginning and then again near the end how it fades out for a bit then comes back in.

I'm sorry to say its been running like this for a few years. I recently got hearing aids and didn't realize how bad the sound was. The engine seems to be running fine in spite of it.

Regular oil changes and service over the years. Only work to the engine that I know of was a new head gasket and a new carb.

I hope the video isn't too big (13MB)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8SxAdlleCtdYXFiWkNCSlhSa0k

[GotToGo]

Sorry about that part at the end. :)

[GotToGo]

Here's a link to the small video.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8SxAdlleCtddVpDR1BRUjh0SGs

[geezer101]

You more than likely have gummed up hydraulic lash adjusters. Performing an engine oil flush may go a long way into freeing them up and eliminating at least some of the noise if they're already tired and in need of replacing - here's a link to my oil flush procedure:

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/showthread.php/2954-Why-didn-t-I-Think-Of-That?p=49688&viewfull=1#post49688

[GotToGo]

You more than likely have gummed up hydraulic lash adjusters. Performing an engine oil flush may go a long way into freeing them up and eliminating at least some of the noise if they're already tired and in need of replacing - here's a link to my oil flush procedure:

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/showthread.php/2954-Why-didn-t-I-Think-Of-That?p=49688&viewfull=1#post49688

Thanks, definitely worth a try. But that states 2 liters of oil and .5 of diesel. So there would only be 2.5 in a running engine right? Isn't that a bit low to be running an engine on?

[85Ram50]

Thanks, definitely worth a try. But that states 2 liters of oil and .5 of diesel. So there would only be 2.5 in a running engine right? Isn't that a bit low to be running an engine on?

I've done it and its fine. I even did it on my Dakota 3.9 and drove 100 miles on the highway with the diesel in it.

[GotToGo]

I'll give it a go.

Thanks again.

[geezer101]

These engines hold 3.5-3.65 litres of oil @ max capacity(oil filter capacity included). No need to fill the engine completely with the oil/diesel mix as you're using this as a 'detergent' for a short period and it's only going to get dumped (you could fill it to capacity but it won't have any impact + it will dilute the diesel by 25-30%) If you have success with the oil flush post your results (even if you can still hear a few of the lifters there's a good chance another flush at the next service interval will solve it)

[GotToGo]

Chalk one up to the geezer (no offense).

It sounded a little better just while it was warming up. By the second stop light I didn't hear a thing. I put about 75 miles on it then went back to the garage. I let it idle and stood by the engine for a few minutes to see if any noise would come back. Nice and quiet.

I'll complete the flush tomorrow.

I can't thank you enough. I have my truck back!

[pennyman1]

Now that the lifters and the motor is clean, keep it that way by running 1 quart of Rislone in place of a quart of oil - it is a super detergent that will clean out the rest of what's in there and keep it running strong. I have been using it in most of my vehicles since the 70's

[geezer101]

:thumbup: I've had doubters about the whole idea of using diesel fuel as an engine flush - it will kill the engine, 0.5 litres is too much, real engine flush from off-the-shelf parts stores is better etc etc but I swear the parts store flush is nothing more than massively over priced diesel fuel anyway. You should notice the engine will run better, the oil will look cleaner for longer and just being able to drive it without it sounding like an old typewriter is the icing on the cake. I don't think I can get Rislone here in Oz though, so I can't try out pennymans' advice...

[GotToGo]

And we're back!

So I finished the flush the next day with new oil and a filter. Went for a drive and everything was fine. Nice and quiet.

The next day I started the truck and there was the noise again. I figured I was just going to have to tear into the valve train and do the work. But, as it warmed up, it got quiet again. So I took off for my appointment and all was good. Never another noise. That day.

Then the truck sat a couple of days. Did I mention the truck sits a lot? Especially in good weather. I usually start to drive it more when winter comes around. Anyway, same story. I fired it up and the noise is back until it warms up then all is good.

I'm not too worried about it at the moment. Its actually running better than it has been in a while. Just wondering what your opinions might be on the situation?

[geezer101]

These engines don't have a one way valve in the oiling system so they drain back. As a result they lose all the oil in the galleries and it takes a few seconds to re-prime the system again. Don't know what you could do to stop the oil drop out from cold - maybe replace the oil pump to either a new unit and/or a bigger gear set pump. Your engine is the 4G63 so there's an option to upgrade the pump. The oil pressure regulators can be modified as well to improve pressure (I have heard of the method on Jafro's channel on youtube...) The oiling system in the 4G63 has some inherent flaws but they can be ironed out to some degree.

[GotToGo]

I might consider the oil pump option. I also might just replace the lash adjusters. Do you know the part number to reorder the adjusters or a link to a how to on replacing them? Though I can't imagine its that difficult.