Engine ticking solved thanks to the Board

[pdolan]

I have had an annoying engine ticking in my 95 LWB with 180K on the clock. I am a mechanical idiot but have reviewed the board with interest since getting this Rover, my 2nd LWB. Anyway, I figure the problem is with the lifters, and I tried a Sea Foam flush, no luck. I then tried 20/50 oil, a little luck, but not much. Once I burned off about a quart of oil (thanks to the marvels of the British engineering drip), I added some Lucas Oil Stabilizer. Bingo. Problem seems to be solved, or at least masked.

Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone for contributing. Much of the information goes right over my head, but the tips I got from here saved me from replacing (for now) the lifters and cam shaft, as one mechanic suggested, or replacing the entire enginge once this one blew up (which it still might do).

Thanks again.

[MysteryTheatre]

i was astonished at how a different filter made my tappy lifters quiet. some filters start the oil pump dry where its prime is lost... it takes a while to get sufficient pressure to REALLY lubricate the top end. with the fram filter my lifters were tappy especially when cold. anyway, what kinda filter you runnin? its simple: better oil pressure from better filters. i replaced the fram with ac delco hd222 , they can also try to sell you a P series filter , but the HD is heavy duty with high capacity i think the P is cheaper and may stand for passenger vehicle.
i guess they use this filter on some Allison Heavy Machinery. anyway it made a big difference in lifter noise for me. NEVER BUY FRAM..

[roverthen]

Originally Posted by MysteryTheatre

i was astonished at how a different filter made my tappy lifters quiet. some filters start the oil pump dry where its prime is lost... it takes a while to get sufficient pressure to REALLY lubricate the top end. with the fram filter my lifters were tappy especially when cold. anyway, what kinda filter you runnin? its simple: better oil pressure from better filters. i replaced the fram with ac delco hd222 , they can also try to sell you a P series filter , but the HD is heavy duty with high capacity i think the P is cheaper and may stand for passenger vehicle.
i guess they use this filter on some Allison Heavy Machinery. anyway it made a big difference in lifter noise for me. NEVER BUY FRAM..

Great info. First time I hear of this but it does make a lot of sense.