Valve tappet noise

["Brian Collinsworth" <aprtay@xxxxxxx>]

First of all, what weight of motor oil are you using. 30 weight or 10w30 is
too thin for these old cars. Put a quart of tranny fluid in it and run it
for a few days this way. If it helps, change the oil and use 20w50, unless
you are in a cold climate. If this does not get rid of your problem, then
park it until you can fix it. It will take some time, but if run this way,
it can bend pushrods, break, or wear rocker arms severely. Many times when
one of these things break, they take other things with them. If the tranny
oil and thicker oil help, make sure that you change the oil often, as lack
of oil changes and sitting for long periods of time is what creates this
problem.
Brian
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Miller" <kdmiller@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2002 3:35 PM
Subject: IML: Valve tappet noise


> Hi All -
>
> We have discussed the identification of valve tappet noises as compared to
> exhaust leak noises.  I have identified mine as valve tappet.  Now I have
> question for your 413/440 experts out there.
>
> If one has a noisy tappet and one doesn't fix it right away, does one
> damage the engine or valve train?  I know it needs to be fixed but if it
> isn't hurting anything I would like to put it off for a while.
>
> I have tried the magic stuff in the can (which I have had success with on
> other cars) but to no avail.  I recall fixing a really stuck lifter once
in
> one of my 57 Imperials by adding a quart of transmission fluid to the
> crankcase.  Fixed it in about ten minutes and I never had a problem again.
>  I haven't tried that yet on this one but am tempted.
>
> I await your guidance, experience and insight.