It's just a general question, but I figure that someone on this group would know the answer. The subject says it all: What causes an engine's lifters to be noisy and make clicking noises? This happened to an old car that I've since sold, but now I'm curious about it.
OT: What causes lifters to click?
Nov 20, 2003
3 Replies
First reply
usually lack of oil pressure it takes a certain amount of pressure to keep them 'pumped up' also, over time, the check ball and its seat inside the lifter get worn, or contaminated with dirt, whick keeps the ball from seating fully or it could be worn valve train components…
Read the full replyusually lack of oil pressure
it takes a certain amount of pressure to keep them 'pumped up'
also, over time, the check ball and its seat inside the lifter get worn, or contaminated with dirt, whick keeps the ball from seating fully
or it could be worn valve train components (pushrod, rocker arms, valve stem) beyond the ability of the lifter to self-adjust and compensate
or a worn cam lobe
If they were mechanical rather than hydraulic lifters, all you needed to do was adjust the lash.
Just to add to these fine answers, the clicking is the result of free play in the valve train. Valve train parts actually start to bang into one another and you can easily hear that. The free play is the result of the things listed by Gary.
I think engines with solid lifters tick just the same way as hydraulic lifters when they are adjusted too loose. The difference is, with solids lifters it's your responsibility, but with hydraulic you can just blame it on the lifter.
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