My engine seems to have a lifter problem on the front right side (passenger) at idle.

It sounds to be a lifter issue the sounds like a light knocking. Only occurs when the engine is warm and in gear. RPM's at this point are about 500. Seems a bit low. If I put it in neutral, the noise will go away and the RPM rises to about 700.

The car has 140,000, I have had it since 48,000 and have done the oil changes at 5,000 mile intervals, usually using 5w/30 synthetic. The cam chain tensioners were replaced at about 130,000. An oil analysis showed no abnormalities as far as metal in the oil. Oil consumption is around a quart every 2,000 to 2500 .

So the question is, has anyone else had this problem, is it something I have to get addressed and what may have caused one lifter out of batch to go bad

any thoughts appreciated

Ed

 

The HLA lifter tick is common in many car lines. Its not a bad sound per say, it doesn't really indicate that the engine is unhealthy or is going to die.

Some of the common was to reduce the sound is with an engine flush, an oil change with a more suitable weight or seafoam (similar to a very light engine flush, but an oil change is needed right after)

I have the HLA tick in my mazda mx6 is is it more noticeable when using 5/30 synth. when I use 10/30 synth, the sound is muted a fair bit.

Same thing with my 2001 A6, a slightly heavier weight oil makes the sound quite down a bit. But even for the Mazda and the Audi, the HLA tick/lifter noise tends to come back closer to the time of an oil change.