2.9 lifter tap? Help
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: south ms
2.9 lifter tap? Help
My 89 started tapping like it was a lifter. Checked screen on oil pump ok. Changed oil pump while there. Not easy. Changed oil to reg valvoline 30w. Was using 10w30. 140,000. Miles. Are lifters a week point. What about cam bearings. Oil psi is about 12idel and 40 at hwy speed. Seems to tap only at startup but not all the time, Will lifters come out with out removing the head, Runs good except for the ocassional tap. It gets worse with a load on it. I don't understand what load would have to do with lifters. The oil psi does not fall off that much. im thinking week lifter? Any more suggestions. Thanks.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Ontario, CANADA
Start-up tick normal.
I read a discussion recently, (don't know if here or 'therangerstaion'), but several guys said 2.9L ticking at start-up and while warming is normal...as long as it goes away when you reach normal operating temp.
When it's cold out, mine does it. Mostly in winter type weather. I've got a '90 with hydrolic lifters. I think your's is the same.
When it's cold out, mine does it. Mostly in winter type weather. I've got a '90 with hydrolic lifters. I think your's is the same.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: home
lifters
They sometimes stick. I have had them stick on new factory engines on a very cold day. After a minute the sound will go away. If they click when hot they are either worn, lack enough oil pressure or have some sluge stuck in them. Years ago I would dump a can of Marvel Mystery oil to free up a stuck lifter. It worked.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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sounds like thier getting worn,,, when you mentioned that they still tap (bleed down) when the motors warm and putting a load to it.
but yes those heads are rappers, at start-up, but should qiute
down after a minute or so, depending on abient temp,condition of oil. ect.
but yes those heads are rappers, at start-up, but should qiute
down after a minute or so, depending on abient temp,condition of oil. ect.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: south ms
Thanks again. I drove it again yesterday It started with tapping. Drove it down the road a ways and it started tapping again. It sounds like just one. Way to loud to be a injector. I guess I am going to have to face the facts. Just debating on complete overhaul or change lifters. Just wondering how many mile do yal have on the bottom end of the 2.9. 140,000 seams like a lot. Leaning toward complete overhaul.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Changed your oil filter lately?
Are you using a Ford FL-1A. Put one on and see if that helps.
If you are using a FRAM that could be part of the problem, was for me on my 2.9L. Good luck.
If you are using a FRAM that could be part of the problem, was for me on my 2.9L. Good luck.
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New User
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From: south ms
Yes I am using a fram. As a matter of fact it did not start untill I swapped to a fram filter. That will be a cheap try anyway. I also tried the marvel mystery oil. That was the first thing I tried. When I pulled the pan It looked like new. The pick up screen was clean. If only it would be so easy. Thanks for the info. Must go offshore for 7 and make wife more speending money.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: fairbanks usa
i used to work for a gm dealership and they have a product called lubricity it's worked to me a few times to free stuck lifters i don't know if this stuffs available anywhere else but it's worth a try before you get too involved
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Mobile, AL
I am a firm advocate of additives. Mine started tapping, and got me worried about the problems associated with pulling the heads, and all the money involved. But just for kicks I ran the engine at idle with Chemtool B-12 in the old oil for 5 minutes to clean any "gunk" out of the system. I then drained the oil and all kinds of crap came out. With the inside of my engine freshly cleaned I poured an additive with Teflon and Molly in with some Vavoline high mileage. After two days driving time not only was the tap gone so was most of the normal lifter noise, except for the loud fan noise and glass pack exaust, the engine is quiter than my wife's new car. It is worth a try!
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Mobile, AL
Yeah but there is nothing you can do about the 96,000 miles and 32,000 recomended oil changes that were supposed to be done before you bought the truck. And as far as the wifes car, it's well taken care of.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 144
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From: North West Florida
My 86 2.9 taps loudley untill oil pressure builds to 60 PSI then it quits down and I don't hear it anymore. When it sits overnight I'll get the lifter noise. It sounds like only one is tapping.
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