Questions and Answers
Explorer Valve Noise
Q. I have a 1999 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 liter SOHC engine. When I cold start the engine after it has sat for a day or so without running, the valves(?) make a ticking noise for a second or two then runs just fine. I was using 5W-30 but changed to 10W-30 to see if that would help. It did not.
What is causing this noise and can I stop it?
Thank you,
JamesA. The noise you are hearing is probably the valve lifters. They are hydraulic and will start to slowly bleed down over time. They should hold oil overnight, but if the ticking noise goes away that quick, I really wouldn't worry about it.
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