Engine tapping noise - after running 3 quarts down...

[evm1024]

My 94 wagon (188k) has a new noise that developed after running for a while with the engine oil 3 quarts down. (Don't ask ) No oil light was seen (light is on on a stalled engine)

There is the loud tapping on cold startup. Then after oil preassure is up the startup noise is gone.

On a cold engine the tapping is quiet, As the engine warms us the tapping noise become louder. This noise is loud on acceleration and at higher rpm. It is less noticeable when feathering the engine or decelerating. Below 2500 rpm is is less noticeable.

THE noise is not noticeable under heavy acceleration and load at 1500 rpm but becomes noticeable as the rpm increases.


Thoughts and solutions?

[turboleg]

Valve might be toast. But I might try seafoaming it (or try a little marvel mistery oil first)...you can buy either at the local auto parts store. Dump it in the oil see if it straightens out after a while.

I had a 76 bonnie that tapped. After a little mistery oil it went away and ran fine. I just figured it had a little varnish on the valve guide.

[555BCTurbo]

I think your lifters got air in them, and now will need to be manually purged...

Search and ye shall find the procedure!

[ericem]

hey turbo i can not find the proccedure. Can you spare me a link

Is that usually the case if it ticks some days? I did seafoam through the PCV valve, but im going for a oil change, should i dump in seafoam in the oil when i go?

[gto7419]

I just ran low on oil after a long trip and Im getting some clacking noise as well...

http://www.endwrench.com/current/winter ... Repair.pdf

Doesnt look to complicated, but its a little tedious and its going to render the car inoperable for a while...

Danny

[evm1024]

I'd forgotten about the wonders of marvel mystery oil. I only had a few ounces left in the container so I dumped them in.

The noise has decreased significantly over time and marvel's oil may have helped. The noise is still there but much reduced.

I expect that it is HLA and is due to air in the adjuster. So running up to temp causes the trapped air to expand (and escape past the seals) and then allowing them to fully cool causes the air to contract and pull in some oil. Repeat as needed....

Thanks to all Now if getting rid of the other problems were as easy.

[gto7419]

I just went out to buy some... We'll see how well it works in the morning

[Richard]

Marvel rocks. So does a little Lucas. Hell, I think I ought to start using a little of both.