Ticking sound

[rwoods@triad1.com (Ron Woods)]

Hello, 
 
This is my first posting and definitely not my last!  
 
I am the original owner of a wonderful 86 4kcsq and have loved every minute of
owning this car! Talk about a solid investment, this baby has never had any
major mechanical problems other than a couple of clutches and brakes all the way
around. I have a question for anyone who is willing to offer any ideas....  
 
For about the last 5 -6 years ( a long time I know ) there has been a random
ticking sound in the cam area. To me, it sounds like a typical lifter noise and
it does not seem to matter what the temp is outside on the engine. Sometimes it
is there and sometimes it isn't! However, it does seem to go away for a short
period ( 1000 miles or so ) right after an oil change. Oh, btw, I have always
used synthetic in this auto. Now, about 4 years ago I replaced the entire set of
lifters myself thinking that would solve it. Obviously it didn't, but the car is
still very much alive and well. The performance does not seem hindered and there
don't appear to be any adverse side effects. The only problem is, it is a bit
embarrassing at times when stopped at lights or in a drive through and there is
this horrendous ticking noise. It isn't a knock or deep sound, just a light
ticking that happens to be loud sometimes. 
 
What am I over looking? The dealer isn't much help here in town and I would
rather figure it out myself. (Pride gets the best of me at times) I have
pampered this machine from the day it was born and only now is it starting to
show some aging. But, I will continue to breathe life into it and watch it age
as I do. I am drooling over a new Audi, but just can't swing in at the moment. (
I have a wife who is finishing Grad school and I'm flipping the bill <grin>....)
I have entertained the idea of a used A4Q, but I will wait and continue to love
my 4kscq until it times a timely death. 
 
Please, if anyone out there has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it! Could
it be the oil pump or not enough oil getting to the lifters for some reason? The
pressure is fine, what else might it be? 
 
Thanks and it's great to find such a wealth of info on this list! 
 
Ron Woods 
86 4KCSQ