1980 Bronco, 351, 88,000 original miles

The engine makes a ticking sound that speeds up or down depending on the rpm's. Sometimes the noise is not present.

I assume this is a lifter. If so, what is to be done? Or do I leave well enough alone--it runs strongly and uses no oil--until I have the engine rebuilt or replaced.

I put less than a 1000 miles per year on this truck since I use it mainly for hunting and fishing trips.

 

Try changing the oil to Valvoline Max life 10w-30. Ie this does not stop it try some Lucas Oil Additive.
Good Luck
Chris

 

I always use Castrol sae30 and a half a quart of STP additive. I do this all my old engines. its probly ther same stuff. But I've never had any problems, yet anyway.

82 Bronco 302cu Lariat
83 Bronco 351w (wrecked) parting out, need the money.

Milk sucks!
Got Beer?

 

 

Hmmmm this ticking noise may be caused by a hydraulic lifter dryng up after long periods of the truck sitting.....

Or some slight varnish causing the lifter to stick a bit....

I like running a 1/2 pint of marvel mystery oil along with the castrol oil i use. This alone, eliminated the rarely occuring tick....

Marvel mystery oil works.

 

>Hmmmm this ticking noise may be caused by a hydraulic lifter
>dryng up after long periods of the truck sitting.....
>Or some slight varnish causing the lifter to stick a bit....

Agreed - I've seen both of these cause lifter noise. Sometimes it can actually be the lifter itself, too. If it annoys you that much though, you could always listen really carefully, determine which side its on - maybe even which lifter - and replace that lifter.