Hey all,

275K miles on the beast. About a month ago, heard a lifter tap when first starting motor, went away after about 15-30 seconds or so, has done that on numerous occasions over the past few years on average maybe every 50 starts or when it was getting time to change oil. When it started a month ago, it seemed about every 5 starts, then again, went away.

Two weeks ago, it came back, the lifter tap continued while driving, idling, etc. This lasted 1 week. Then, it went away, quiet as ever for...you guessed it...1 week. Came back and it's been about 7 days and continues.

So, I am confused to what's going on here. Oil pressure is good, I removed plug wires one by one yesterday and the tap continues, so a spun bearing should be out of the question.(as though I have read)

I've always run 5W-30. The oil change place put 5-20 in it last time, in which I found out when I just did my last oil change a week ago.

It did do this for awhile when I changed out my springs and push rods about 4 years ago, I believe it was that long ago, have to look back at the infamous thread on here.

About to try the seafoam deal...grasping on to that last bit of hope that it's a simple sticky lifter.

Any ideas is greatly appreciated as always.



Sounds just like this guys:

 

You have a bad lifter that is failing to pump up and take up the valve lash. I would doubt that a mechanic in a can will help, but it's worth a shot. all it can do is not work.
If it is a dirt/sludge issue, it could loosen up more junk and clog the oil pump pickup. Replacing 1qt of oil with a qt of auto transmission fluid can also help clean things. It has a lot of detergent in it. Use Type F or Dextron.

 

Hey man, thanks for a reply. Yeah, I really didn't think a mech in a can would work and I've been leaning 99% towards a collapsed lifter. I put a little more than 200 miles with the seafoam in it to no avail....BUT, I had to try it right?

So in the end, I have decided to buy a new 2015 Big Horn 4x4 Crew Cab. Just finalized the deal over the net/phone, pick her up tomorrow morning.

The current '03 whom I love so much...I guess I will replace the lifter which is major surgery and I don't look forward to doing it then sell it privately throw the cash down on a re-fi on the new one....or keep it..haven't decided.

 

I hope someone can help me . how do I remove the lifters from my v6 1500 3.9L engine . I have already removed the rocker arms but the push rod bores are only about 1/2 inch in diameter but the lifters are about 3/4 inch , any idea how to get them out?

 

On a 3.9?? You should be able to pull them without pulling the heads...... I think.......

 

I went to Autozone and looked at a lifter, it by far has a larger diameter than the push rod fore. the diameter of the bore is about 1/2 inch but the lifter is much larger. has anyone done this

 

There *should* be enough room in the valley between the floor there, and the bottom of the head, to pull the lifter. Give it a shot.

 

I was afraid of screwing something but I will try today,thanks