Wish I could... Having been a helicopter flight mechanic in a former life + OCD won't allow me to let it go.

 

Either that or piston slap? Still intermittent. I think I can consistently make it stop. More to come...

 

That's what I'm leaning towards. I keep bouncing back and forth between a Turner SB and replacing the slipper(s) on my block w a top hat sleeve(s) and a "pin job". On a separate note, I think I may have come across a trick to consistently make the ticking stop. Just want to make sure it really works before posting about it so I don't sound like a clown...

 

at a certain rpm the actual piston speed becomes quicker than the liner can bottom out and the noise will quite down.

 

I replaced my fan blade with an '02 version and installed a new fan clutch (Hayden 2991).

I've been running for about a week and a half with ZERO ticking - idling for long periods of time with the AC on in 90+ degree weather (I hope posting this doesn't jinx me).

It is a bit louder, but not too bad. The new fan set up and all the previous work has her running better than she has in years!

I also bought all the components to do the in-line 180 degree t-stat mod, but I'm reading mixed reviews between using the genuine 180 degree t-stat (which I have - new) and doing the in-line mod...

Also thinking about adding an oil cooler. For those who know, would this make things too cool? Can such a thing (running too cool) be done?

 

My 2000 have an oil cooler. I didn't even know you could buy one without an oil cooler until I took an 03 apart. Not only should you have an oil cooler, I would--and a going to--swap my oil cooler for a larger transmission cooler that still fits the brackets.

I think your ticking is the lifters. As the engine gets hotter, the oil gets thinner. The thicker, cooler oil is just enough to hold your lifters still. That's my theory anyway.

 

Brand new timing gears/chain, cam, lifters, push rods, rocker arms and shafts, and oil pump - amongst a bunch of other stuff...

 

Well it was just a theory. Haha.

Dang, then that might be a sleeve.

 

I'm sure it is, but if efficient - and improved - cooling can keep it at bay, I'm all for it.

 

Well if you ever get excited enough to PIN your sleeves please let me know. Photos of your success might just be the nudge I need to do mine.