Engine Oil Treatment

[gdocktor3]

My trucks motor has developed an ever slight valve chatter and I was just wondering what type of oil treatment you guys prefer, a thick viscous motor honey type or a thinner marvel mystery oil? I’ve used both styles in the past on other vehicles and both have worked well. In my puny brain, the thick, viscous oil treatment makes more sense as it would coat the moving parts better, preventing the chatter. No?

 

[dkmc]

What do you want to do.......mask the noise with thicker oil, or
fix the possible sticky lifter problem with a cleaner?

If they are getting sticky, I'd change the oil, then put in an entire quart of
Rislone. That would be my choice because I used it years ago and it actually
worked, and quieted noisy lifters after 50 miles of it being put in.

If it's not sticky lifters, but a mechanical problem, you could put in thicker oil,
or a thickener, to mask the problem and wait till it gets worse. Then repair the problem.
Like maybe the cam's going flat?

 

[bob15]

Why are the valves making noise? Is it because the engine hasn't been started in 10 years and are sticky or is there a mechanical issue that is starting to appear?

gas or diesel?

Old or new?



To answer you question, for freeing up sticky lifters or rings: MMO.....but for your issue, it sounds like any additive is just a band-aid at best.

 

[buffalobill]

If you have a sticky lifter, drain a quart, then run a quart of atf for a couple hundred miles before the oil change. The atf might free up whatever is stuck in your lifter, and get it to hold tight again.....

 

[wretched73]

If you have a sticky lifter, drain a quart, then run a quart of atf for a couple hundred miles before the oil change. The atf might free up whatever is stuck in your lifter, and get it to hold tight again.....

This has worked for me in the past on the LS motor in my truck with 200k+ miles

 

[Aqua-Andy]

ATF is loaded with detergents. As was said already, pour in a quart and drive.

 

[Kenskip1]

First of all what are we attempting to diagnosis?Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota? 4 6 8 cylinders? How many miles are on this heap? Does this noise disappear when it gets hot? when was the last oil change? What weight oil? Conventional or synthetic? If you can give me some more information then I will try and assist you.

My wife's Ford Windstar has 191K on it, I use O'reilly's Full synthetic 5W20 and a container of Lucas Oil treatment.You can't even here it running.Every 5K miles with a Wix filter.

 

[mbshop]

Not enough info but I'm a huge believer of synthetic oil.
so change the oil, I use m1, and go about yer business.
if it is anything but an actual worn mechanical part the noise should go away. I use heavier grades of oil as I live in cent calif.

 

[gdocktor3]

Chevy 5.7 with 170k miles oil was just done with 5w30.I’m not going to pull the motor and rebuild it....

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Chevy 5.7 with 170k miles oil was just done with 5w30.I’m not going to pull the motor and rebuild it....

Sounds like collapsed lifters. If the truck is a 1996 to 1999 I would be looking at the intake manifold as being the culprit. The plastic intake manifold gaskets would crack and allow coolant to leak, sometimes into the valley. I can't imagine how many of that type gasket I have replaced on 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 motors. I have also replaced many motors that the leak was not caught in time.

 

[vssjim]

If the ATF doesn't fix it in a day you better replace roller tappet making noise and make sure you use the Fel-Pro upgraded perma-dry plus gaskets that wont fail again.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Atf then use Lucas stabilizer possibly it sticks to moving parts creates like a film.

 

[ttpete]

OP, please tell us about the vehicle. Age, mileage, maintenance history.

I have maintained my own vehicles for many years by following the maker's company recommendations. I use no additives or other "snake oil" substances and have never had lube oil problems.

That said, I wouldn't ask for a diagnosis via an internet forum. Find a reputable shop and have them diagnose your concern.

 

[01blackl]

You should look into a BG flush. After the flush use their 44k product.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm not asking for a diagnosis. I'm asking what people prefer. This isn't exactly an out of the ordinary thing to happen. Engines make noise. Especially 22 year old Chevy V8's with 170,000 miles....

When the truck breaks down I'll worry about fixing it the right way...

 

[bonneyman]

Been a MMO user for years, but it will dissolve rubber gaskets and diaphragms on newer cars if you're not careful.
Switched to Lucas Oil treatment - seems to have helped with engine tapping and clicking noises. Seems alot like the ole STP oil treatment. Perhaps not quite as thick.

 

[gdocktor3]

Sounds like collapsed lifters. If the truck is a 1996 to 1999 I would be looking at the intake manifold as being the culprit. The plastic intake manifold gaskets would crack and allow coolant to leak, sometimes into the valley. I can't imagine how many of that type gasket I have replaced on 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 motors. I have also replaced many motors that the leak was not caught in time.

It's a 95, but the intake manifold gaskets do need to be changed. I will likely do them in the spring.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

It's a 95, but the intake manifold gaskets do need to be changed. I will likely do them in the spring.

Well that would be the time to replace any bad lifters. Remember do not use roloc discs to clean the old gasket material. Gasket scraper only (usually need a hammer to assist the gasket scraper). I used to hate those gaskets, it was like trying to scrape concrete.

 

[CJM8515]

Quart of atf in there for about 100-150 miles and dump it. Then get yourself some rotella 15w-40. There no reason to run such low viscosity oil in an older GM 350. They like thicker oil period.

 

[Kenskip1]

If you decide to change a lifter you should change the camshaft.Honestly, I would put in a container of Lucas Oil Treatment and be done with it.Only thing is in your cold climate to let it warm up. The oil will thicken and this could cause oil pump issues.Sounds like normal engine wear to me.But what do I know. I'm a Ford man.

 

[ozyborn]

I use Seafoam. Measure for oil. Run about 200 miles, change oil and filter. Also added to gas and ran through intake. But, as above, find a local mechanic you can trust. Better than the all knowing internet

 

[Tonyuk]

Personally i wouldn't add anything, i'd pull the cover and see whats happening.

I've heard of a few who use ATF and claim good results but never bothered myself, good oil should have plenty of detergent in it anyway so i don't see why there's a need to add more.

 

[MarineScott]

ATF in the oil as stated by others or CRC Valve Kleen in the oil.

 

[Bagherra]

So the Lucas Oil stuff is pretty good?

As far as ATF, this works good too? I have a 2001 Chevy Blazer....just changed the oil yesterday...On my next change, its ok to substitute a quart of oil for ATF to clean everything out?

 

[Showkey]

It’s funny how in other posts some debate the use of 0w-20 or 5w-20 that the manufacture recommends........ then others recommend thinning the oil with ATF ( thin oil) or Seafoam which is basically naphtha and alcohol to solve problems in high mileage vehicles.

 

[Stadger]

Motor Honey.

 

[pepi]

I'm not asking for a diagnosis. I'm asking what people prefer. This isn't exactly an out of the ordinary thing to happen. Engines make noise. Especially 22 year old Chevy V8's with 170,000 miles....

When the truck breaks down I'll worry about fixing it the right way...

22 years old and you put 5w oil in a motor that GM designed for 10w-30...? The bearing tolerances were not designed for that thin **** to start with. Now at 170k with wear ..... thinking that was not the right move, think back as to when 5w showed up?

I had some jack *** put 5w in my wife's car. Drove back and made him replace the oil.

Here was the morons logic: "it is the latest and Clueless quick change lube is putting it in all the cars. With a smirk that says he and his dipstick company are the oil god and it shall be..

Trying not to clock this day labor oil changer. I asked him where he got his degree in engineering and what the **** was he doing changing oil for a living?

I got the right oil back in the engine, and they did it... needless to say the wife did not go back.

Be careful and consider the facts before you start messing with fluids, especially in a vehicle that is 22 years old. Had a Harley 60w oil, new ones 20w.

Think it would have been a good idea to run the 20w .......?

Greg

 

[AA/FC]

Another vote for LUCAS Oil Treatment.

Side story:
We use one quart of LUCAS Oil Treatment, along with straight 70W oil (which is like honey by itself) in the nitro funny car. After one pass, the oil looks like a melted milkshake and flows much like water out of the oil sump. Nitro funny cars DESTROY oil very quickly. lol

 

[bpjr]

If the clatter is from plugged oil galleries and sludge you will make it worse with a thick treatment. If the clatter is from excess wear then the thick stuff is better than nothing.

If you have sludge use the MMO...in my experience Seafoam pales MMO for removing **** out of an engine.

 

[lakelandcat]

Use the KISS method first, last time you changed your oil did you put the recommended viscosity oil in? Did this happen after it got cold? IF so change oil and filter put a 5w in. I'm a firm believer in synthetics.

 

[bonneyman]

Sounds like collapsed lifters. If the truck is a 1996 to 1999 I would be looking at the intake manifold as being the culprit. The plastic intake manifold gaskets would crack and allow coolant to leak, sometimes into the valley. I can't imagine how many of that type gasket I have replaced on 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 motors. I have also replaced many motors that the leak was not caught in time.

I've got an '04 Vortec V6 and I've heard the intake gasket is a weak spot. Starting to loose engine coolant and no visible leaks. Only 125,000 miles but with plastic gaskets who knows?

 

[bobcatdan]

I have found Lucas additive to be good to slow oil consumption, normally by about half in an engine that uses, but doesn't smoke yet. Coworker who is a former GM mechanic runs some in his '97 5.0 to quiet the lifters. He knows his intake is good and figures there is some wear in the vavle train, but since the Lucas quiets it, he's figures run it until it doesn't.

 

[d.mcfarland]

22 years old and you put 5w oil in a motor that GM designed for 10w-30...? The bearing tolerances were not designed for that thin **** to start with. Now at 170k with wear ..... thinking that was not the right move, think back as to when 5w showed up?

No idea how oil works, huh?

 

[redwrench60]

I have an 05 suburban with a 5.3L that developed a lifter noise at 205k and was getting worse so just for giggles I put in the recommended quantity of Lucas over two oil changes. Didn’t do ****. I put a set of lifters in it and fixed it. Still rockin’ at over 250k. Snake oil is snake oil.

 

[bonneyman]

I have an 05 suburban with a 5.3L that developed a lifter noise at 205k and was getting worse so just for giggles I put in the recommended quantity of Lucas over two oil changes. Didn’t do ****. I put a set of lifters in it and fixed it. Still rockin’ at over 250k. Snake oil is snake oil.

I can see your position to a point.

Oil additives won't "replace" metal. If a bearing or part is worn so bad that it has 2 to 3 thousands of an inch gap, no liquid product will be able to fix that issue. But - like on several of my vehicles over the years - engine parts are not getting oil right away or they're in places that are so hot the oil thins below it's ability to lubricate then a booster will help.
MMO used to have (they've been bought out and it's been reformulated - and I can't get an MSDS to verify the components) 1% of tricrestyl phosphate. It was a high pressure lubricant in it's own right. It stated on the can that even the residue left after the more volatile ingredients burned off had lubricating qualities. (I'm assuming that was the phosphate). Sure did solve an upper end issue (i.e. high heat area) on an old 4 banger. But one of the isomers was extremely toxic, so, it might have been pulled. Nowadays they can separate out the toxic isomer, but I doubt they'd do that given the profit margins on a OTC product. STP oil treatment and WD-40 have similar stories.
I tried Lucas because I have a new engine, and the mechanic said Lucas was a good product. Past the break-in, and I want to give the motor a little extra help during the hot SW desert months. It does seem to quiet things down a bit.

 

[buffalobill]

I have an 05 suburban with a 5.3L that developed a lifter noise at 205k and was getting worse so just for giggles I put in the recommended quantity of Lucas over two oil changes. Didn’t do ****. I put a set of lifters in it and fixed it. Still rockin’ at over 250k. Snake oil is snake oil.

I agree, totally..

 

[ovrrdrive]

Buy louder speakers and an amp. Fix it in the spring.

 

[WhiffySpark]

22 years old and you put 5w oil in a motor that GM designed for 10w-30...? The bearing tolerances were not designed for that thin **** to start with. Now at 170k with wear ..... thinking that was not the right move, think back as to when 5w showed up?

I had some jack *** put 5w in my wife's car. Drove back and made him replace the oil.

Here was the morons logic: "it is the latest and Clueless quick change lube is putting it in all the cars. With a smirk that says he and his dipstick company are the oil god and it shall be..

Trying not to clock this day labor oil changer. I asked him where he got his degree in engineering and what the **** was he doing changing oil for a living?

I got the right oil back in the engine, and they did it... needless to say the wife did not go back.

Be careful and consider the facts before you start messing with fluids, especially in a vehicle that is 22 years old. Had a Harley 60w oil, new ones 20w.

Think it would have been a good idea to run the 20w .......?

Greg

99% sure 5w-30 is what’s recommended..

I’m not a thick oil believer either.

 

[bob15]

22 years old and you put 5w oil in a motor that GM designed for 10w-30...? The bearing tolerances were not designed for that thin **** to start with. Now at 170k with wear ..... thinking that was not the right move, think back as to when 5w showed up?

I had some jack *** put 5w in my wife's car. Drove back and made him replace the oil.

Here was the morons logic: "it is the latest and Clueless quick change lube is putting it in all the cars. With a smirk that says he and his dipstick company are the oil god and it shall be..

Trying not to clock this day labor oil changer. I asked him where he got his degree in engineering and what the **** was he doing changing oil for a living?

I got the right oil back in the engine, and they did it... needless to say the wife did not go back.

Be careful and consider the facts before you start messing with fluids, especially in a vehicle that is 22 years old. Had a Harley 60w oil, new ones 20w.

Think it would have been a good idea to run the 20w .......?

Greg

Depending on what the climate is 5w-30 is preferred and 5w-30 is preferred in the light duty engines which I would consider the 5.0 7 5.7L to be in. maybe you should try reading the owners manual.


Now I was just wondering.....do you know anything about oil? What fly-by-night school did your degree in? And in what subject....basket weaving?

FYI: Your 10w doesn't do so good in cold weather when compared to 5 Winter. The 30 is the same, so when the vehicle is hot the 10w-30 & 5w-30 act the same. Calling someone at an oil place a *****? I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, now does it?

 

[toolaholic]

Good article. Fight nice guys! Lol. https://www.minimania.com/Motor_Oils_-_It_Is_So_Very_Misunderstood