re. clicking/ticking noise...'88 90Q...199k

[Ben Swann]

Although it may be time for new lifters, you may want to try switching to a 
higher visc/wider visc. range oil.  I have found even with young engines 
10W-40 and lighter will have incessant lifter noise.  Switching to a range 
like 20W50(Castrol GTX) or 5W50(Castrol Syntec) will usually resolve this. 
I think Mobil 1 has a wider visc synth out now too, but IME the 5W30 
generally didn't cut it even though it is great in the newer engines.

I run Syntec 5W50 in most of my cars or alternatively 20W50 if I like more 
frequent changes - no problems with lifter tick.  Several other good oils 
out there, so not intending on starting oil war thread.

Just don't compormise with your oil.

If you still have the noise after switching to higher visc. then plan to 
change lifters with next timing belt as you'll need to lift the cam  - the 
lifters just pull out with fingers and new ones drop in and cost around $8 
each.

Ben

[Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 19:25:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: Walter Ikamba <ikamba1 at yahoo.com>
Subject: clicking/ticking noise...'88 90Q...199k
To: quattro at audifans.com
Message-ID: <20051014022511.9242.qmail at web33003.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

there's a really worrisome ticking/clicking noise that i hear from my car 
that suddenly disappears when the car warms up....i suspect it has something 
to do with the lifter/springs on the valves....the noise is louder when oil 
pressure is low during the heating up phase and then disappears once the oil 
pressure is up and the cars heated up...anyone any ideas...do i need an 
overhaul?? to replace the lifters??]