Q&A

First check the engine oil level! After that your engine has hydraulic lifters that automatically adjust the intake and exhaust valve clearance using engine oil pressure when the engine is running. Engines with hydraulic lifters need to have oil changes at the recommended intervals to keep the oil clean and fresh and the correct weight or viscosity of engine oil . A small bit of dirt or sludge can "gum" up the lifters and cause the oil not to properly adjust valve clearances. Sometimes this noise goes away after initial start up or after the engine warms up. If it is as simple as "lifter noise" try adding an oil additive called Risolene, it is a low viscosity high detergency oil additive that helps clean lifters. Try using a thinner grade of engine oil and see if the noise changes.