Products That May Quiet Noisy Lifters
Rowan Adams
Tapping lifters can be a sign that your vehicle's engine is nearing the end of its useful lifespan.
A range of issues can set off lifter noise in an engine, among them aging, physical damage, the gradual effects of wear and tear, and the presence of dirt or debris. If an engine has covered a great many miles or sustained harm, additives are not going to undo the wear it has already undergone. Nevertheless, certain products exist that drivers may find useful for lowering the volume of sound emitted by the engine's lifters.
Flushing the Engine
Should trapped debris within the engine be the source of the lifter noise, a cleaning product formulated specifically for engines may help clear the dirt away. Engine flushes target the accumulated gunk, dirt, and debris that can lead to rough running or prevent oil from properly lubricating internal parts. Often, it is a shortage of lubrication behind the knocking or tapping sounds an engine makes. That said, an engine flush carries the risk of creating additional trouble if loosened debris breaks apart and blocks other components. For this reason, engine flushes ought to be carried out only by certified mechanics who are prepared to stand behind their work with a warranty.
Choosing a Better Oil
Not all oils deliver the same level of lubrication. Fully synthetic oils may be able to raise fuel mileage, yet reports indicate that semi-synthetic oils give a vehicle's engine stronger defense against the knocking and tapping that stems from insufficient lubrication. A higher-viscosity oil might also bring down lifter noise, and the same goes for an oil blended for engines that have accumulated high mileage.
Other Additive Options
The marketplace offers a broad selection of products advertised as capable of minimizing wear and lengthening engine life. These combine the cleaning and detergent action of an engine flush with a dose of very thick engine lubricant. Usually they come in small containers, meant to be poured into the engine oil a few ounces at a time. While such products are promoted as doing many things that could benefit an engine and cut down on lifter noise, whether any particular one will work depends on what is actually causing the noise in the first place, and there is no guarantee it will succeed in a given vehicle.
