I have a ticking sound coming from my 390 that I think is a lifter sticking. It's loudest upon start-up and then gets a bit quieter as the the engine warms up. I've put some Marvel Mystery oil in both the tranny and gas tank. It seems to be helping some but I'm wondering if there's more I should do. Should I just be patient and let the MM oil do it's thing or should I try one of the "engine cleaner" treatments where you run the engine for 10-15 minutes and then change the oil and filter. Any suggestions or successes?

Thanks in advance.
Bud

 

Don't overlook a possible clicking from the fuel pump arm. A screwdriver to the ear can quickly tell you. Or, even more accurate, is to remove the 2 pump attaching bolts and with fuel lines still connected slip the pump back enough for the arm to disengage and start the motor and idle for a moment or two. If the noise goes away, then replace the pump.

I don't like the so called engine flushes. If you do have a lot of sludge and dirt built up then you will circulate the mess through out the engine. Seems that no good can come from impregnating bearing surfaces with grit and grime. Others may disagree.

 

I agree with sullyda1. Id rather live with a noisy lifter than burned up engine bearings. If the fuel pump arm isnt the culprit you can use the same technique with the screwdriver to locate the general area of the sticky lifter. A set of lifers and intake manifold gaskets are cheap compared to a rebuild.