just picked up a 96 coupe . when scoping it out it sounded as though it has a collapsed lifter. (3.8 v6 ) it's not a tick but more of a rap like a rod. it went away when oil came up then returned after temp came up . the weird thing is it's just too slow to be a rod. i counted off and the highest i can hit being generous is 400 per min. the car idles around 800 so i'm thinkin' valve train. but like i said it's not a tick. it is a little rough , but not horrible. i tried shorting each cyl. but the noise didn't change alot. as it revs it starts to move around and change cadence . so should i be looking at pulling the valve covers or what?

 

I know this is not a FIX, but try some Moreys or Lucas oil stabilizer and see if it goes away??

I had a Mazda Miata that tapped and I added 1/2 quart of Moreys at ea. oil change - no more noise. Car is still going with over 250K on the orig. drivetrain.

Just a thought - good luck

 

thx for the input . i tried some marvel but nothing yet . guess the valve covers are comin' off. if it's a lifter i'll be thrilled. i was hoping for a couple yrs. till i had an 8 ready to go in .

 

Am I the only one that fails to view this as MINI related?

 

Well I was just going to say that Mustangs don't have bonnets...

 

well this is true but as i've grown accustomed to being able to throw the occasional non mini question out there and not be bashed by noobs i figured i'd ask .

 

Consider yourself bashed. Go here and ask~ www.mustangforums.com

 

Noob? funny thing is you have the latest join date Herbie!

I wasn't bashing, just being sarcastic. Seems like it would be fine in "other car discussion."

Good luck

 

i know ... it's just that some of the members are very good mechanics and i've grown to trust much of their opinions so i prefer (as a member) to ask here. it may not have a boot or a bonnet but it's internal cumbustion anyway. and much could be gleaned from the discussion . it is a 4 stroke afterall .