Lifter tick? Or something?

[Tauni]

1990 Galant LS.

I have been having a problem with disappearing oil. I'd put some in and the next day I'd already be low. Well the other day I could hear a ticking so I checked and ended up adding a bit of oil, but figured I'd just go get an oil change within the next few days when I had time. However, the next day I heard it again so I checked it and once again, I needed more oil. So I added more, just enough to fill it up. Then I heard it again the next day after that. So I brought it home and checked it, and it was still pretty much full! It had lost some, but definitely NOT enough to make the lifter tick. So I got it up on jacks to see if it was leaking, and it didn't seem to be. I know I'm not burning any oil, so I checked my valve cover gasket and THAT was leaking. It also seemed to be somewhat coming out of the cap.

I was going to do an oil change anyways but who ever did the last oil change before I got it screwed the damn plug in to tight and I couldn't get it off to drain the oil. But its still full.

So here's my question, is there anything ELSE that would make a lifter tick? I didn't think a lifter ticked at ALL if there was enough oil in it? Could it be possible that I'm hearing something else and mistaking it for the lifter?

I think this weekend I'm going to take it in and get an oil change done and see about getting the valve cover gasket done. I'd do it myself, but I honestly don't have time.

Suggestions, comments, etc?

[xveganxcowboyx]

Did you switch brands or types of oil when you had it changed? I know my lifters tick like hell with regular, but barely at all with synthetic. I'm not sure if galants had the same problem with them... Either way I would suggest pouring in some sea-foam a little before you change your oil.

Taking it somewhere to have the gasket changed will take longer than just doing it. Valve cover gaskets are easy and fast.

[Goat Blower]

Lifters can tick from getting gummed up with crap. We used to just pull them out and clean them, works real well. I'll find the faq if I get a chance, or I can just explain it.

A can of Seafoam in the oil for 100 miles before an oil change helps as well. The old way to do the same thing was use a quart of ATF, then drain and change oil and filter.

[Tauni]

Originally Posted by xveganxcowboyx

Did you switch brands or types of oil when you had it changed? I know my lifters tick like hell with regular, but barely at all with synthetic. I'm not sure if galants had the same problem with them... Either way I would suggest pouring in some sea-foam a little before you change your oil.

Taking it somewhere to have the gasket changed will take longer than just doing it. Valve cover gaskets are easy and fast.

Its not the thing of I NEED my car all the time and don't have time that way.. Its just that I am so busy with school and work and homework that I have no spare time to do it. I have used different brands of oil, but they have all been 5W30.

Originally Posted by Goat Blower

Lifters can tick from getting gummed up with crap. We used to just pull them out and clean them, works real well. I'll find the faq if I get a chance, or I can just explain it.

A can of Seafoam in the oil for 100 miles before an oil change helps as well. The old way to do the same thing was use a quart of ATF, then drain and change oil and filter.

I'll go ahead and do the Seafoam thing since unfortunately this oil change is going to be inevitably late. I most definitely do not have time to take the lifters out and clean them.

Thanks for all the help so far. I'll keep yall posted!

[Kracka]

Use 10W-30, Mitsu engines seem to like a thicker oil. This winter is no where near cold enough to require a 5W-30.

[Andrew7dg]

I was going to say 5W-30 is really light oil.

I heard the opposite from synthetic.

Sea foam works wonders. Using a line and running into the engine with a vacuume hose. You can find all of your exhaust leaks!