How to Fix Lifter Tick or Rod Knocks With Oil Additives

In this video I will go over some of the common causes of lifter tick / knock or upper engine noise in general, but also the causes of a rod or main bearing knock and how you may try to fix them using oil additives. Most people are always looking for a way to quickly fix their lifter noise or engine noise issues and watching this video will surely help you find the fastest solution to your engine noise problem.
Here are links to products which were used in this video:
Engine Flush: amzn.to/2zAnz9K
Oil Stabilizer (Thickening Liquid): amzn.to/2xSRdcX
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@danielcalas]

hey man this guy is legit he gets technical but easy to understand and straight to the point 👍

[@jonathanyates5198]

You don't fix rod knocks with oil additives

[@Moment2Forever]

It's for flipping cars like a shyster. It's fixed if you get your asking price for a shitted out engine.

[@tawidave7092]

You went waaaaaayyyyy beyond that "extra mile" in this video. You're awesome.

[@memesyandhorrorshorts]

Because he actually trying to teach as if u were there unlike other KZbinr mechanics lol 😂

[@x-man5056]

If you think you have a lifter tapping, check for a loose or leaking plug wire first. It can be helpful to look for leaking plug wires in the dark. The 2 can sound very similar.

[@ChristosCMelbAustral]

Good idea.

[@pleasurewasmine3173]

and if you still cannot find a possible leak then just gently slide your fingertips across the plug wires and surely it will find you :]

[@surefiremushroomsmicrogreens]

Make sure your blinker fluid is full if not it can leak and cause it to tick when you use it to turn 😉

[@x-man5056]

@@surefiremushroomsmicrogreens I always do that when I rotate my muffler bearings and grease the radio.

[@tinkerwest]

I've found that the best solution for engine noises is turn up the radio volume....;)

[@leongyewmeng2610]

Hahaha !!! You are very hilarious but I totally agree with you. Rock & pop music are best.

[@memorivera6904]

Ill try that. .lol

[@Hockeyace]

Yes

[@garypowell4565]

ZZTopp Full Blast......."Driving While Blind"

[@jaskajokunen3716]

Leong Yew Meng metal is the best

[@jessicagamble8961]

Best description of lifters and overall functionality of the internal components of the head of an engine I've seen. Great video.

[@Qharisma]

The most thorough lifter noise video on the tube ... Thanks a million.

[@djhillhead2881]

I’ve accidentally clicked on your videos a week ago, and I become more knowledgeable about vehicles than ever before.. KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING!! THANK YOU!

[@o0Avalon0o]

Wow, I thought I was watching a high-budget Cable channel; the work that goes into these videos really shows! Thanks for being so thorough. I love learning more about my car; I think I'll subscribe.

[@Beobout6]

I’ve never really understood how hydraulic lifters worked and how they received oil until now. Thank you. Great tutorial. 👍🏻. Subscribed.

[@evangelista7136]

I like to say thank you for putting time aside to teach us all that you had just spoken about on the engine. You are very helpful and very knowledgeable, thank you.👍👍👍👍

[@karlhungus5554]

Nice video. I'm not a mechanic and don't have the knowledge that you or your commenters have, but I was able to follow your clear explanations. I find engines fascinating. If I were younger and had the energy again, I think I'd consider that as an occupation. It looks like hard work, but building and repairing stuff would be rewarding.

[@JazzyJonas]

I really appreciate your channel. I drive for a living and this with maybe two other channels have helped me keep my 99 Taurus with over 260 k on the road!

[@idgafa6872]

Thank you so much for posting this video. You are very thorough in going over all of the causes for different engine noises. I own cars and trucks that range in year from 1988 to 2008, both foreign and domestic. They all seem to have some form of these noises. It's nice to have some easy fixes to try before I go to the mechanic and shell out the big bucks for serious repairs. Thumbs up!!

[@shuriKen469]

educational, informative, humorous! thanks mate!

[@luchigr]

your videos are by far the best ones for fixing cars step by step. Keep posting!!! thanks!

[@GiantMigit245]

And the way you explain things is perfect for me to understand. Along with the visual examples. Couldn't be happier

[@2pacnasgame]

Man dude you the man I been waiting for a video like this for a very long time thanks I'm save this video I appreciate it

[@ekim955yt]

This is the best video I ever watched! And I watch many.

[@erickmigiro7157]

3 yrs down the line, but the information is as important as I need it now. Thanks 👍, you have explained it well. And I have learned much.

[@thedesignateddriver2226]

By far the best and most informative video on the subject matter that I've come across on KZbin! Kudos!

[@ReeWrayOutdoors]

No lifter issues...but damn, I learned a LOT from this video! Very informative stuff!

[@danekeeper1]

Good video my friend....I would like to add that some people hear Fuel Injectors popping pintel's and think their engine has an internal problem.....anyway this was one of your best videos, and my sister has never been naked......

[@racershqpodcast]

Thanks man. Great video. I’ve been building my Miata racecar for like 18 months, and totally freaked out when I started the engine. I just needed a little patience.

[@mediaedge6103]

I have a chevy astro van 2000, its been sitting for a week, when I started the engine the knocking noise was there. watching your Videos help to really understand Bro thank you very much.

[@leongyewmeng2610]

You are very knowledgeable and professional in the issue highlighted. It is very informative and useful for the good maintenance of the engine to operate in good running condition. You did not miss out anything. You are direct and straight to the point. You are awesome !!! Keep up the good work ! I am Leong from Malaysia.

[@kensendelofski3761]

I found it interesting. Thanks for the video. I don't have any engine knocks, but I'm just learning thing's about how engines work. very informative. Thanks

[@GiantMigit245]

Keep up the videos I'm learning so much, thank you for filling the gap in my head

[@beboboymann3823]

Great video. Very professional and informative. Thanks for posting.

[@lilgil333]

I watch the ads to support you bro

[@dancahill9122]

Organic I do too !!

[@dreamrealitysyndrome]

I don't. Is there another way I can support?

[@0650asanders]

Do you swallow too?

[@o0Avalon0o]

dreamrealitysyndrome Sharing the video and the channel helps support him as well.

[@babygirl8181980411]

@@dreamrealitysyndrome Yes, it's called reality. As former ASE, when in doubt, ALWAYS go with new. This guy is delusional. He thinks he's awesome when he couldn't be more wrong.

[@cookiemonster-tx2qe]

Thank you great video i learned alot from this video PLEASE MAKE MORE!!!!

[@shannonthomas5989]

camaro 2013 knocking. like it's loosing out side of Moyer

[@arielamorales7408]

Thanks for putting this video together and for all the valuable information. It was also very exciting to watch all the tools and parts shacking and moving around when you revved up that AUDI. I hope that is just part of the entertainment. But again, thanks!

[@purplej12]

Thank you for the comment about the heat shield!! Got a truck that makes the noise on and off and I think you solved it for me.

[@nyacoustics8373]

will some lucas oil additive do the same thing for noisy lifter on start up?

[@Dubiels]

I really liked the practical test of starting your car and seeing how long it took for the lifters to quiet down. Nice work!

[@AzraelPercussionNEO]

That was a good example indeed

[@macknumber9]

​@AzraelPercussionNEO so basically if your car sits overnight and it ticks when you start it then that is completely fine?

[@jeffgoodnough9704]

Was curious about a scab fix until parts arrive, learned some useful things. Subscribed!

[@TheCRTman]

Excellent. Looks like I'm taking the right first approach to my noisy hydraulic lifters.

[@rodneysmith247]

1 other question does an engine knock have to become progressive louder and louder before the engine goes or will it go over time with just the same steady low knocking sound? This is a great knowledgeable auto shop class video 👍

[@paulmayou370]

Great video mate tick tick tick

[@glasser2819]

good honest points about allowing time to refill empty-flat lifters & empty VARIABLE VALVE TIMING mechanism to get refilled after being empty. This lubrication lesson stresses the importance of not driving a cold & dry engine.... 🤗

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

Very amazing info - on Rod knock versus lifter tick - treatments

[@chadgardee1496]

You can fix rod knock by changing rod bearings if you catch early use assembly lube when replacing I do it all the time jus check crank for damage

[@williamriley9226]

That's the best maintenance for worn engines. If the bearings are worn, oil pressure goes down for the rest of the engine.

[@1kenpau1]

@@williamriley9226 rebuild

[@j.a.posadas6359]

God Bless...good understandable videos. j

[@deejay3835]

Best info video on Internet , awe in awe you are the man !

[@johnchestnutt6892]

Unbelievably thorough video so thank you!

[@polosucks3122]

Ur the smartest dude on KZbin ur a real human bean 👍🏽

[@Vincevega7]

Polo Sucks bean lmao

[@hectorrzepeda2998]

I put Lucas oil additive on my rebuilt engines just as an extra precautions & of course replace the oil when it's due

[@stevecvntniko8271]

Hows it going so far ?

[@bushmaster1740]

You realize Lucas "additive" has zero additives in it, just greasy slop in a $10 bottle. It should be called a "subtractive" instead, since all it does is dilute the motor oil with brightstock, which then sheers into gunk. Even worse is when it flashes off turbo bearings. I suggest you google "los"at a laboratory oriented site like BITOG, and quit pouring ridiculous marketing goo into your engine.

[@hectorrzepeda2998]

@@bushmaster1740 good to know bush What do you recommend sir to stop the wear and tear inside the motor?

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

@@hectorrzepeda2998 I'm gonna try MMO - Marvel Mystery Oil

[@harisfauzi]

Thanks man! Very informative! I learned a lot from your videos!

[@PORRFNK]

Best video on youtube in regards to noise . I am amazed

[@TonaldDrump686]

If you can hear the knock, it’s usually too late. I’ve found that periodically adding engine oil is much easier than an engine swap. It took a few engines to understand this concept. Live and learn I guess.

[@milanryba1572]

That is not true. You actually can save it when you hear a rod knocking couse your bad con rod bearings.

[@johnniecrain7986]

Great vid. My 08 impala SS 5.3L picked up a noise recently and I was wondering if it is bad to put Lucas stabilizer oil in it? 50,000 miles on it. What kinda lifters does it have? Thanks

[@samuelclark2434]

It's more than likely hydrolic lifters

[@patrickhummell7267]

I run Lucas in a fully built civic your good

[@thetruejay20]

Love your videos man, keep up the good work!

[@bigdogpete43]

Wonderful instruction. Should be required for anyone that has a car.

[@titojones6204]

Hi always enjoy your videos. What about cam noises?? Is there a thing to help cam bearing noises?? Thank you again for everything. God Bless

[@Alex-hf5kg]

only thing i've found that helps cams is zddp addative. cams aren't actively lubricated, so they need somethitng soft that sticks. A lot of the time, noise from an overhead cam engine that's cam generated means you need to change your oil, though.

[@brendanschultz7631]

R230Tuner I actually have the same questions however I'm trying to eliminate what I believe to be the start of cam noise/lifter chirp on a 5.3 LS, from what I understand the people who have had it happen to them it starts out intermittent then is there all the time. Not sure if there are any additives that would help?

[@repairvehicle]

Tito Jones, someone have asked same question on some other channel. I recommend using better quality oil than what he was using. He switched to quality oil and noise went away. Noise is the result of metal rubbing against metal. High quality Oil eliminates noise because oil provides proper lubrication between metal components.

[@kellytrimble4120]

Good vid, love the fast editing. FYI, rod and main bearing wear or damage can also be caused by sustained heavy load at high rpm and by sustained or ongoing fuel pre-detonation in addition to dirty oil or low oil. Most usually bearing wear and rod knocking will result from a combination of these causes, ie, sustained load at high rpm burning cheap gas that is pre-detonating 12,000 miles since the last oil change while three and a half quarts low on oil, which is usually what somebody does who is too cheap to do oil changes, check oil, uses 87 octane when the car is placarded for 91 or 93 or 102 and drives like a maniac on the freeway. Also, I've heard that repeated engine overheating can cause the oil to break down, causing its viscosity to change, causing bearing problems.

[@leongyewmeng2610]

Kelly Trimble + It is so true what you have highlighted can contribute to the problem. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with all of us.

[@WilfredOkwudili]

Kelly Trimble this is exactly the problem with my Benz C250. I’ve used 87 fuel for 7 months before realizing it should be 91, now the engine makes a ticking noise. What can I do to fix it?

[@robertt3551]

Cheap gas that really isn't 87 octane will also do it to you. Had this happen to a perfectly good V6 causing it to knock on cold starts (the ECU eventually adjusts the timing). Now I only used brand name premium gas and no more noises.

[@trump45and2zig-zags]

You obviously know your shit, why would my truck start misfiring, mainly under load over 30 mph, after adding restore.

[@samuelod3711]

video was very educative, learnt a lot. thanks man

[@isitreal1459]

wow! i learned so much from this video, i'm going to make sure oil levels and oil changes stay in schedule. Thanks bud!! This BUD is for you......

[@jovanu4]

no i can't hear it as you're constantly talking over it. still a thumbs up

[@el34glo59]

Exactly. Wtf

[@rexracer7192]

Also minimizing the idle time of your engine can prevent premature wear, as oil pressure is lowest during idle.

[@sleekcartim]

get a good oil filter with check valve in it to hold oil for next start up...the most wear happens on a restart esp a cold / dry start

[@aloolly]

Thanks for all the explanation, you are very thorough and go thru lots of useful details . Appreciate your work. My 1998 328i was sitting for almost a year and when I started the engine it had this ticking sound . After charging the battery I'll start the engine if the ticking doesn't go away I'll try the engine flush

[@henrikjonsson4340]

Great thanks for the vid and I understnad everything just rewind a couple of times...so you are a good teacher.

[@sandydogy]

Hi, I have a tappet noise when sitting in traffic, not all the time just now and then, I was told to run an engine flush, does this need doing now or at next oil change? The car is a diesel Renault Clio (96,000 miles) and I play on the side of caution and always change my oil every 5k, its a manual as like most in the UK many Thanks Ian

[@will21]

sandydogy diesel us tricky, they are nosie on good day. May be related to fuel issue as well is diesels aren't running right they knock loud as well. Diesel oil geta very dirty and builds Sticktion.. Try a Sticktion reducer next oil change. Hotshots secret works well

[@MatchboxGarage]

Chris Rodnock

[@Adam-bw4lw]

lol

[@chonwayne909]

LOL

[@SshiggyY]

Lol Ricer Miata

[@SHOTS-FIRED]

Like a glove

[@348frank348]

Wow man that engine sounded great at the end. Great job

[@semco72057]

That information is nice to know, and so far I have not had a problem like those you mentioned in the video on my vehicles, or others I owned.

[@cegrix6811]

Great video. I particularly like how you took the engine apart and showed the various areas where oil circulation is needed. You also highlighted a major point I tell customers, that starts after the engine has sat for a long time or even over night is the time when most wear occurs on an engine. As you stated most oil additives treat the fluid to increase it's viscosity not always a good answer. As a used car salesmen you probably will enjoy this video by Gene Daughtry a veteran BHPH Dealer and consultant sharing his experiences with high mileage vehicles getting ready for sale or coming back from customers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmHJeqGkhbd_r5I

[@Miamiboi305]

If fluids are good and oil pump is functioning properly and you have internal noise nothing will fix it but replacing whats broke. Anything you add will be a problem later

[@bluedude947]

i have a question so my 50k mile truck has a small ticking sounds coming from the engine i think it may be a bad lifter but the engine light comes on and goes away. Could i add something to help it?

[@Miamiboi305]

@@bluedude947 I don't know the exact cause of your ticking but it also can come from using to thin of a oil in a hot climate at this point the viscosity of the oil becomes more like water than oil. A loosing rocker can cause this ticking. I would put a oil pressure gauge on her and check that you are getting the proper pressure without it only the bottom bearings on the crank and pistons will stay lubricated

[@jeffreyellis5343]

Great refresher course-thank you very much.

[@stevecasper8117]

Thanks man very informative and well put together. Professional's !!!!

[@SkyNines]

Seems like your Audi was smoking... I am assuming it's burning off dust / debris from sitting so long?

[@alc2371]

my Ford Escape has constant lifter noise it's loud. but in the morning when I first turn it on and it's cold the engine sounds smooth until it warms up then lifter noise starts. any thoughts?

[@MrCoffeekelly]

big dogger don't buy a ford

[@happyday5070]

Use thicker oil.

[@JS-wj3rl]

Very informative, thank you

[@Rob-fx2dw]

Excellent video - Thanks for that .

[@44hawk28]

The best additive I have ever seen for clearing a lifter tick or a mildly collapsed lifter, is Marvel Mystery Oil. Put about half a quart in your engine. You can run it along with the oil and I've seen it clear liquor noises in less time than it takes to close the hood. I've also seen it take 10 to 15 minutes to clear it. I have never seen one bad enough where it took longer than that. It's a great product, and it has been bottled since 1923. It still works as advertised, if you have a 4.7 L Chrysler V8 with the hydraulic lash adjusters you should be using this religiously. If you have a chain tensioner on your engine you should be using this religiously. It keeps those things from getting plugged up with sludge and it will unplug them if they are plugged.

[@MFRiley]

I'll try this tomorrow and report back. I've already tried Liqui Moly and that had no affect.

[@gotpuns983]

@@MFRiley how’d it work

[@jovanharrison4361]

Do you use the hole bottle that’s 5.99$

[@ihatecandy02]

@@MFRiley did it work?

[@MFRiley]

@@ihatecandy02 Didn't work. I drive a Mitsubishi Mintero and they are well known to develop lifter tick. I think the only thing that'll solve the noise for me would be replacing the lifters. I might do that at some point, but I'm a broke college student so it's not high on my priority list. It's not detrimental to the engine, just a bit annoying.

[@N33sWorkshop]

Good info, thanks! But you shouldn't talk while you give us audio samples about engine noise, let us hear the difference first after that talk over it. #constructivecriticism

[@NewBeRVer]

Very well explained! Great stuff!

[@luisademora9141]

I really liked your style and teaching technique it was very good and informative thank you

[@flashbodie1]

Everytime he said lifter I took a shot... Now I'm drunk.

[@MISSDEEANNTOYOU]

😂😂😂

[@diemman70]

Lifter.

[@fernominal]

!!..lol..!!

[@esteladapper8892]

People will find all sort of excuses to drink...

[@diemman70]

Estela Dapper I’ll drink to that. 🥂

[@alatarwoow4974]

He said everything about oil additives but he didn't say anything when you will add oil additives and how will affect the lifters

[@omarG19100]

who yue hell gave this a thumbs down? he gives such good info. unbelievable

[@tydiehl2769]

Good in depth explanations. Subscribed brother.

[@arroyogerardo2228]

You're not fixing rodknock, you're only silencing it where you cant hear it but the rodknock is still there.

[@ghostrider2664]

:( I learned it the hard way. Used Lucasoil stabilizer and fucked my engine years ago. I thought of suing them but took the blame because, the blame was ultimately mine. Lesson learned. Second lesson,: trial and error is not an acceptable way to learn auto mechanics

[@veryhairykrishna7225]

@@ghostrider2664 if you waited until you had a rod knock to add Lucas that's your problem. Lubricants are preventative, not corrective maintenance items. Adding a heavier weight oil on a dying engine isn't going to help anything.

[@veryhairykrishna7225]

Arroyo, he literally goes into detail that a rod knock can't be repaired short of rebuilding it.

[@kashblockcitylimits205]

Arroyo Gerardo I got this problem

[@savagesock3598]

Yeah but if you wanna sell it lol

[@RETIREMESOON]

MARVEL MYSTERY OIL 4 days in crank and gas. Keep using it I have 2 test cars also improves compression and mpg 12.4 improvement at 60 mph

[@ALT_RIGHT]

Have had great success with Marvel

[@simonreeves2017]

Another good and informative video from this channel.

[@mathewamini2825]

Great video with lots of good information. Thanks!

[@haroldlm64]

Good video! I hope you don't get many thumbs down!🤣🤣🤣

[@83K5Blazer]

Note to self : don’t buy an Audi from this guy

[@macheteslice702]

Audi , why should I want one

[@juandiegoflores2486]

Bruh

[@mariagricius8994]

The engine block is from a Subaru.

[@randomboylv4920]

@@mariagricius8994 what kind of Subaru has V8 🤔

[@ON-EightySix]

@@mariagricius8994 ahahahaha 🤣

[@buddycochransr.1842]

Best video I have seen in years on engines and it’s presentation 🤠Buddy

[@TheRealLifeNPC]

Thank you! Very informative and I learned a lot!

[@moofree]

Audio is a bit desynchronized.

[@hauntingtonjohn]

You had me at engine porn

[@jeroenrodenboog3815]

Wow, very informative. Nice work dude

[@JUANRodriguez-uv2ou]

Very informative. Thanks for the information.

[@wholeNwon]

When I was a kid, my uncle used to have hydraulic valve lifter noise on cold start-up in his Packard! Amazing that it took so long for the lifters to work properly in that Audi no matter how long it was sitting. If that's "normal", it's yet another good reason not to own one of those masterpieces of German "engineering".

[@kingtachoss]

The only reason our local retailers won’t sell Liqui Moly it cuz it actually works.

[@leongyewmeng2610]

The Project Channel + Haha!!! You are right. If they do, they will be out of business. No money to make. lol.

[@efrenmendieta3613]

Are all of there products good?

[@kingtachoss]

Efren Mendieta I’ve only use the fuel injector cleaner and it improved my fuel efficiency by 20 miles per tank so I call it a win plus it stopped the hesitation after taking off from a stop.

[@edcain3676]

Cesar Ramos :Auto Zone in Couple Stores Here in ATL.Sells the Liquid Moly Gas Additive ,But Not the Oil Additive.Strange.My Sonata Was Pulling An Eng.Misfire Code& Plug for That Cyl.Was Fine,So Added the Liquid.Moly as A Preventive Measure In Case Injector was Clogged & Gas Mileage Went Way Up & Misfire Code Went Away & Liq.Moly Was Only $9 & More Than Twice As Much Additive Than the Small.Bottle Of Lucas

[@kingtachoss]

Ed Cain I suggested to my local autozone to start carrying liqui moly and the guys said that they have never herd of it. I usually get it from Amazon and I use it every 10k on my vehicle.

[@jrfun4647]

great info and explanation, Thank you!!

[@RoyBruce007]

Very informative. I envy Your skills.

[@TravisMeeks6]

i'm lmao at the thumbs down stipulations!

[@richardhurts5]

A good lubed rod is very important...... ask my lady she will tell you!

[@afisemenaborevlaka48]

Sorry to hear this. I'm sure you'll find some other girl who is more faithful.

[@FirstLast-df7yc]

You guys are too much!lol

[@oreogonzalez8123]

It's ok dryness comes with age

[@FirstLast-df7yc]

@@oreogonzalez8123 not if someone is doing thier job right lol

[@marlonpearce9107]

Wet or dry it doesn't matter the head ,ache is a headache no matter how u add it up once it's not serviced properly

[@miguelmojica5897]

Hi. Thank you for the great video. Question: If it's a rod bearing failure, will I still hear the noise at high rpm? My engine just started making a noise but it's only at very low rpm (under 1k) when idling, and not always while idling. If I disconnect any spark plug, the extra vibration makes the knock noise evident. Thanks ahead for your reply.

[@toddaldworth133]

Great information. Kinda vague at the end but great video overall. I will try the Pro-Line Engine Flush.