4G63 Lifter Tap

[Lozzle]

Hey all

Firstly, I've searched the site and read some stuff to learn a bit more about it but I know there's some guys who check in here a bit and might be able to help me out. I was getting a little confused as with all the threads on here I read about the tapping, people were referring to their engines as 3Gs but we've got 4Gs so I wasn't sure how much of the info I was reading was completely relevant.

My RVR has started ticking a bit more than normal. It's just crossed the 104000km mark. I have tried a couple of different oils in the past few months but obviously this won't solve the issue. I understand it's a well known characteristic of the engine and it's due to the oil hole in the lifter being small and clogging up and the best idea is to replace the lifters with lifters that have the slightly larger hole.

Clutz, I have seen your posts about MBL8 (I think that was the name). Can you tell me, this is a cleaner you rinse through? Or what does it do exactly? Has anybody had luck with using it and the ticking completely ceases?

It's driving me a little insane so my gut tells me to replace the lifters for almost definite success.


Are these the ones with the larger hole, suitable for my car's engine? Out of curiosity, these have the 3mm hole, what's the OEM sized hole?

http://www.meek.com.au/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=113


Thanks guys, appreciate any help

 

[BMGTZ]

having actually pulled one of these apart...I dont think it is the top hole that blocks but rather another little hole inside.

Anyway the 4g is referring to the engine family and the 3g you have read about is the "3rd"generation of the family.

next thing is to suss out that you do actually have a lifter issue....that could be as simple as a dose of mbl8...it works and is cheap but it does sometimes lose its effect before an oil change is due.

once it is confirmed the cause of the tick is lifter related ....{unless you are confident that is the cause ion which case then go for it}...then yes whack in a set of 3rd gen lifters.

I have several new sets here ...cheaper than the 200 listed and can fit if needed.

 

[to4garret]

Proma MBL8 is just an additive you mix in with an oil change. I have used it numerous times with great success. As Brian said, the ticking can return usually just before a oil change is due. YMMV.

Alternatively, you can also pop the lifters out and soak then overnight in carby cleaner. This has also worked for me in the past.

 

[Lozzle]

BMGT & to4, thanks for your replies and all the info. I'll get some of the additive and give it a go. I just did an oil change on the weekend too, so I'll deal with it and next change will drop it in and see how it goes.

Brian, that'd be _mint_. If I need to go ahead with the lifter change, I'll hit you up. Do you own a workshop?

 

[BMGTZ]

BMGT & to4, thanks for your replies and all the info. I'll get some of the additive and give it a go. I just did an oil change on the weekend too, so I'll deal with it and next change will drop it in and see how it goes.

Brian, that'd be _mint_. If I need to go ahead with the lifter change, I'll hit you up. Do you own a workshop?

no worries mate..give me a yell when your ready.

workshop...nah just just have big untidy shed....and I keep lots of spares.

 

[milkandoj]

Brian knows what he's doing better than most, if i didnt want to do it myself, id rather have him do it than a workshop anyway.

If you just did an oil change throw the additives in. It works best when the oil is clean and also it will be in there longer for the whole change. If you recenly did it theres no reason you cant throw it in now.

 

[warbo]

hi guys, dont want to be a stick in the mud but if the hydraulic lifters are ticking badly, as mine were in my hsg at around 150k, then you can change the oil, put in what ever additives, take out you old ones and pump them down with a pin ( like the small pin you get with a new hydraulic belt tensioner) but in the end you will still be left with tired lifters. I tried to be a tight arse but in the end i bit the bullet and replaced with new lifters. Wish i had done this to start off with. Wasnt that big a job. and replaced tired cam shaft seals for about 7 bucks each at the same time. Had the same scenario with my 4g61 in cb gsr. Its amazing how much quieter new ones are and you dont have to be embarrassed any more from stopping and traffic lights with a diesel engine under the bonnet. But with this new found "quietness", you get to discover a whole heap of other squealing, tapping and clicking noises from other engine components that you couldnt hear before..ha.. :unsure: er shit........yeah leave the old ones in..................

 

[Dr RVR]

Hey Loz,

If you decide to do the job yourself you can get the lifters from this guy

Engbldr

They are Johnson lifters which are decent quality and seem to be what everyone sells - I have a set in my RVR. However as has been said you will now hear other noises (I hear my injectors every now and again) and there can still be some light noise due to the lifter pockets being worn.

 

[Lozzle]

milkandoj - thx for the heads up, I'll get some this week and see what happens

warbo - I'll try the additive until I can organise getting the lifters replaced. Not even gonna bother with cleaning the current set.

Dr - great help as always, cheers for the link!


I don't mind hearing other noises - I just crank the stereo.

 

[JohnS]

Mine gradually got very noisy until I did an oil change using HPR15 diesel oil. The noise dropped very quickly with one lifter holding out until I went for a drive.

Now its all good. I think I'll let it go and see how long they stay quiet.

The oil is rated for turbo diesel, petrol and mixed fleet applications so there should be no problem there.

Diesel oil has a higher level of detergents and far greater cleaning ability which reinforces the theory about the lifters sticking because of a buildup of foreign material.

I'll let you all know how long it stays fixed.

JohnS

 

[brendanshort]

I always use Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic. A little tappet noise at startup but clears quickly.

When your oil is getting old your car will tell you with noisy tappets. I also add Liqui-Moly Tappet Stop - Supercheap has it.

I also flush the engine with Liqui-Moly Engine Flush before changing oil.