I've got TICKS!

[f85gtron]

My 2.8 developed ticking in the rear bank valves. I went to change the oil, in the hopes that the oil in it was too thin, but it's still there. Maybe a collapsed lifter?  What do i check first?
Ron

[Roger]

It could also be a worn rocker arm. I've had one wear through at the top of the valve (not on my Fiero but another Pontiac). It's ticking got louder as time went by. I found the problem when I removed the valve cover.

[f85gtron]

Oh man, now you've got me worried!  I just installed new rocker arms!everything had been fine for a while....

[Fierofool]

By rear, if you mean the side away from you, near the passenger firewall, it may be a cracked exhaust manifold.  It's common to crack at the #6 runner.  It could also be a fuel injector.  Use a piece of heater hose to isolate the noise.  Use it like a stethoscope with one end to the ear and the other as your explorer end. 

To check the rocker arms near the trunk side, a long screwdriver used in the same manner, placed against the top of the valve cover.  Disclaimer:  Just be sure to put the sharp end against the engine and the handle against your ear. 

[TopNotch]

Try replacing one quart of oil with a quart of Rislone. (If you are a quart low, just add the Rislone.)  If the problem is a stuck lifter, there's a good chance that stuff will free it up. It's one "snake oil" that's actually good.

[f85gtron]

What is this Rislone and Where do i get it?  Is it simular to sea foam?

[TopNotch]

What is this Rislone and Where do i get it?  Is it simular to sea foam?

Rislone is basically a motor oil with very strong detergent additives in it. Although Sea Foam might also work, it is not a lubricant, so it could only be left in the crank case a little while. Rislone can be left in until your next oil change.
You should be able to find Rislone at any auto parts store.

[f85gtron]

Thanks. I'll check it out!

[f85gtron]

Ok. Rislone is in....fingers crossed.

[f85gtron]

I've still got TICKS. Its the rear cyl closest to the dis. I'm gonna pull the top end and replace the lifters, which i should have done when i did all the rocker work.  Duh.
Do i need to know any tricks, or words of advise before going in?

[TopNotch]

If you're going to that trouble, you might as well check your cam for wear. If the bottom of a lifter is dished instead of flat, that's a sure sign of cam wear.

[Fierofool]

Ron, if you mean the cylinder nearest the driver's back on the distributor end, that's where the exhaust manifold is bad about cracking.  It will sound just like a tick.  Check it out very well before tearing your engine apart.  I'd hate to see you strip the top off only to find you still have the tick when you've made repairs to the valvetrain. 

[f85gtron]

Ok. I'll check it carefully.

[f85gtron]

Found the tick, but what caused this? All the other rods are good. No oil?  Too tight? Lifter looks good, cam looks good, bottom of same rod looks good.

[Roger]

That's what I would call 'just one of those things'. There are many things that could have caused it. One thing you can do is to roll it on a known flat surface. If it 'wobbles' any at all, then it is bent (of course). A sticky valve, valve guide, lack of oil under the rocker arm to pivot...and so on.

First thing, buy and install a magnetic oil pan plug. Always re-install pushrods to the same lifter they came from. You may be able to buy a single pushrod (I do not know). I'm sure that some folks out there have some just lying around. Just be certain to roll it as you did the bad one, check its length to insure it is the same length as one of the others you have and that there is no obstruction through it or varnish on the outside and ends.