What is lifter noise in a Ford Windstar What would need to be replaced How much would it cost?

Answer

The specific vehicle or engine type is not really relevant to this particular problem, it's quite universal.

Hydraulic lifters "self adjust" to minimize the distance between the camshaft and the mechanisms that open the valves. When the distance is too great, the mechanism makes a loud tapping noise and can cause additional wear on the camshaft and lifter surfaces. When a hydraulic lifter becomes clogged with sludge or otherwise becomes unable to self adjust, the lifter colapses and the valve mechanism starts to make noise. The problem is often the result of poor engine maintenance, specifically poor oil change history.

Replacing the cam and lifters can be expensive. Before you do that, try an engine cleaning additive. It's worth the effort since they are usualy quite cheap. There are several that claim to free stuck lifters but if there is much damage it won't help much.

If it DOES help, make sure you change the oil and filter often and use a good grade of oil.

Answer

Sticking lifters in a car is like a clogged artery in your body; the both can happen over time and they are hard to reverse, and surgery/repair is expensive!

I agree with the above; here is what to do: purchase a quart of RISLONE oil detergent along with oil and filter. The RISLONE takes the place of one quart of oil. Change your oil using these items.Run this no more than 1000 miles and do it again. And again. By the third time you will notice a significant decrease in the noise or it may be gone altogether. I have done this a number of times before and it will work in all but the most extreme cases.Once the noise has ceased, make it a practice to change your oil and filter at 2500 miles to keep the lifters clean.It is a lot cheaper then the labor to tear your motor apart! Good luck.

First answer by Redbeard. Last edit by 1930fcoupe. Contributor trust: 782 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question]