Cures for sticky lifters? '87 4kcsq

[Michael Murphy]

cz137 at home.com wrote:
> One or more of the lifters on my new to me '87 4kcsq intermittently sticks.   tick tick tick tick.  I use Mobil 1.  What does the list wisdom reccomend as far as oil additives go?  BG MOA?  Marvel Mystery Oil?  What has worked for you?  Or is the only remedy to have the lifters replaced?  What makes them stick in the first place?  Thanks in advance:-)

Additives are not recommended.  Noisey lifters, according to those that
have investigated this, are normal in the I5 when it's cold and should
go away once the engine has warmed up. If you're using Mobil 1 15w50 in
a cold climate, this can contribute to initial lifter noise.  If the
noise continues on a warm engine it indicates one of the following:
- low oil level (my 100 will start ticking when it's 1/2 qt. low)
- oil is wearing "thin" - obviously not the case w/you.
- there is a build up of "crud" in the oil passages.  
  Use an engine flush - some listers have reported sucess w/Marvel and 
  other brands.  We "punt" Lubro-Moly MotorClean  because it works.
- You do have worn lifters and it's time for replacement.

> If anyone knows the approximate date of the last in depth sticky lifter thread I would love to look it up in the archives.

Easier to answer this than find that.
--
Mike Murphy