lifters + synth vs. petroil question

[Brady Moffatt]

Hi All,

Small dilemna here. Great running engine in my 4kq, except for lifter
ticking, sometimes pretty loud. I keep the oil level topped up (it doesn't
burn any oil anyways) and change it every 5000km.

Here's the question: Should I switch to synthetic? I've heard conflicting
opinions on this re:lifters. Will synth and its detergent qualities unstick
the lifters? Or will its thinner nature drain down out of them faster and
therefore cause more tick at startup and thereafter? Or will synth's better
flowing traits fill them up faster on startup and therefore make everything
quieter? ACK!

I have no leaks anywhere on the engine right now. At 286,000km
(178,000miles), am I asking for leaks at seals if I switch to synth?

Of course, new lifters _are_ an option! I'd just like to be sure that I
can't restore them to their former glory first.

Cheers,
Brady Moffatt
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
86 4ksq, 286,000km
86 4ksq, 208,000km parts car
72 Datsun 240Z, 180,000 miles
In early stages of quattrosis accumulatus


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