I'v started to develop a lifter tick on my 2006 5.3. I ran a B&G engine flush through it and it helped make it not so often.
What is better? A heavier oil (10/30-20/50) to help the lifter keep pressure or a lighter oil (0/20-5/30) for quicker lubrication?
Any Lucas oil additive users?
When it does start ticking a quick acceleration from a stop, 1 or 2 times bringing the oil pressure past 40 psi, usually quiets it.

 

What is your oil pressure at idle and when running? How many miles are on the engine? When it starts ticking is the oil pressure low?

 

What is your oil pressure at idle - About 30 PSI
What is your oil pressure when running - 40 PSI
How many miles are on the engine - 183K
When it starts ticking is the oil pressure low - No.
The ticking isn't at start up. I may drive for 10 min with the engine below operating temp and it will randomly start to tap. When stopping at a light it will continue to tap and a quick acceleration to 3-3800ish rpm, raising the oil pressure to 40/40+ psi, will normally quite it. It may not come back but then sometimes it will, intermittent.

 

It sounds like a lifter is beginning to collapse (as opposed to the cam lobe wearing down).

First verify the oil pressure gauge on the dash is accurate using a mechanical oil gauge at the sensor port. The oil pressure sensors and wiring on these engines are known problems.

While you’re setting up that test, check for and/or remove the filter screen underneath the sensor. If it’s full of metal just replace it (assuming it doesn’t break during removal) - they can be cleaned but the plastic is usually brittle enough that it should be replaced.

If oil pressure is actually good, you should probably start planning to repair or replace the engine. Using heavier oil and/or additives will only delay the inevitable and there’s no way to know how long it will run with a lifter that’s on its way out.