i have done searches on this topic but still have a question. most posts state tapping is heard after startup but improves once pressure increases and vehicle is moving... I have lifters tapping only on acceleration. idle is quiet, oil pressure is steady at 40. tapping is only heard while in drive and accelerating. I've tried 10W/30 and 5W/30 within 1,000 miles of eachother but no change in lifter noise.
any ideas?

edit: 1999 chevy suburban K1500 4x4, 116,856miles

 

I've had similar problems with mine and have gotten some relief using an engine oil flush. The tapping you are getting may not be from lifter bleed down but from sticking lifters. When you changed your oil and filter how did the oil and filter look?
Bill

 

i put in Penzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 10W/30 with fram filter... then i read that fram filters were not that great cause they didnt allow alot of flow, so about 1000 miles later i put in Mobil 1 5W/30 with ac delco filter, thinking i needed something with better flow. the penzoil did look kind of dark considering it had only been in there for almost 1K... didnt open up the filter.. i have thought about taking off valve covers and visually inspecting but felt uncomfortable doing that and running the engine at the same time... what brand of flush did u use?

 

I don't recall the brand but there are several out there at the local auto parts place or even Walmart. Be sure to follow directions on can as most say not to drive while flush is in engine, just run at idle for about 10 min. & then drain and replace the filter. The idea is to clean out some of the deposits and sludge that may be in oil system and hopefully any in the lifters. I also like synthetic and have always used Mobil 1 5W/30. I think my problem was mostly caused by the suburban sitting a lot over the past several years as it is no longer my primary ride. Good luck.
Bill

 

Sounds more like it is pinging then a lifter tap. Do not use heaver oil, then engine was designed to run 5w-30. 10w 30 will work but heaver will not. Thicker oil will increase oil pressure but will reduce the volume moving through the engine, kind of like putting your finger over the end of a garden hose.

 

Could be a bearing as well. U should try and use a stethoscope and see where the noise is coming from. Start at the heads and then check the crank case

 

I always only use the oil weight suggested by the manufacturer. If it's broke oil won't fix it.

 

Sounds like something else is wrong. I have used RP to quiet noisy engines down. It works as it reduces friction from broken parts LOL. BUT yes you have something broke and RP and AMSOIL will only delay failure.