Well turns out my exhaust leak, from the last trip was was cracked driver's side exhaust pipe in the usual D2 place.

Got that fixed now I have a low rpm (under 750) rocker/lifter tick on the left side. This came out of nowhere.
I swear someday's this truck has it out for me. To be fair it is oil change time, so a bit of seafoam in the crank and see if it quiets down.
And yes the oil pressure is good 30 PSI at 680 RPM, 50 at 2000 + at 167 deg F engine temp.

My hope is crud, but any other suggestions


UPDATE 7/11/2025

Further update about 80 miles after seafoam added lifter ticker greatly reduced across all temp ranges, loud tick has not returned. It is looking more like it was a sticky lifter

 

Update no misfire codes at all pending or otherwise

 

Original valve train parts or renewed? Oil type? Certain it's not exhaust again?

 

@JohnZo It was pretty distinct, but too loud and wrong tone for exhaust. I ran her up while adding the seafoam,6.5 ounces not a can just for clarity last night. Then went out for 20 minute freeway this morning run, tick was noticeably less after that. We went out to pickup groceries and the tick while still there can only be heard against a reflective surface like a wall on teh left side, with the window down.

I need to get her hotter, Monday is looking like the day supposed to be in low to mid 80's a good hill climb with the AC blasting will get the oil pressure a bit lower at idle and I can see where I am at.

I am a bit OCD about these things I never want to be the guy on a offroad trip whose truck dies in the back end of nowhere. I can do a camshaft, and lifters the parts are not a terrible price, but it it going to be kind of warm for that.

 

Sounds like you're making progress. I have one lifter that takes about a minute to quiet down after cold starts. Gone on for years at this point. After rebuilding, I added some High Viscosity Oil Stabilizer, but I later learned that stuff can work its way into the lifters and not get out, compromising operation of the lifter check ball/pump. That's what I blame on my tick, that's my theory. Now I think it is better to use low viscosity additives, or none at all, just use good oil and change often. Was leaning towards Valvoline Restore & Protect, but can't get it in 10W-40, so using Valvoline High Mileage Semi-synthetic. The trucks keep on Rovering.

 

I had the rocker arm tick on start up. It developed in 2011/12. I tried all the snake oil stuff (Marvel Mystery oil/Seafoam, etc...) I had a couple of cases Mobil 1 0W40 from a Mercedes I had. I decided to run it in the winter. I had 3,600 miles on it and the tick was gone. I couldn't believe it. Drained it out and ran another cycle and it has never come back. I couldn't believe it....Was it the oil or coincidence? For years I ran 10W40 Amsoil (2002 - 2009). Then I switched to Rotella 15W40 (spring,summer,fall) Winter it's 5W40. I still run 15W40 but have been using Mobil 1 0W40 in the really cold months (Dec/Jan/Feb)

 

Just an update, hot today so I manage get the engine temps above 168-170. Other than one instance the tick is much reduced to almost nonexistent even against a reflecting surface.

The one instance was a noticeable tick at a red light, blipped the throttle in neutral tick reduced to barely hearable.

Only 40 miles/ 60 Km since the Seafoam, so and 200+ miles to go then an oil change.

It is hard to do an rpm test but the noise increases with engine rpm until about 720 then disappears, even traveling at road speed and letting the truck drop to 700ish the tire hum drowns any noise out.

Picked up a can of liquid moly hydraulic valve conditioner to add with the oil change but so far so good.

 

Dumb question, but what does a lifter tick sound like?

 

@Brandon318 not a dumb question,it sounds a bit like a sewing machine. It is not a thud but a very distinct ticking,most pushrods V8's will tick with age. As the cam, lifters and pushrods age you get tiny gaps that cause the tick, low oil pressure and long interval oil changes can also contribute.

This video illustrates the noise well, but the engine has a serious problem .

In my case the concern was a sudden significant increase in noise at higher temps (177-183), but only at idle. This normally indicates an oil pressure or clog issue,if it is intermittent.
My oil pressure is ok mid 40's to 50 at 2000 rpm dropping to the mid to high teens at idle and 176F
But since adding the seafoam all ticking has reduced significantly.

I will pop the valve covers once my kitchen reno is done in a couple of weeks just to check for any damage.

 

OK interesting. I definitely have a light version of this going on and have for ages. Maybe I'll add replacement of the lifters to the list.