Loud Ticking from top of engine

[300ZDREW]

Well im a bit lost here so I have retracted my issue questions etc. regarding noisy ticking/knocking sound that appears to be coming from the heads.

[t.mcginley.jr]

If its pretty rapid and sounds like its coming from the top of the engine/heads then its probably lifter tick. We have hydraulic lifters which are supposed to fill with oil to cushion the valve movement, but sometimes they get stuck and just bottom out, making that ticking noise. If the engine has high miles then it could be an actual collapsed lifter. If its under like 150k, then it probably just has alot of oil varnish built up on it. Drain the oil and refill with new oil and 1 quart of ATF. Run it for a few hundred miles and change it again. After a few times it should clear up. Change the filter each time too.

[Slizz]

Drain the oil and refill with new oil and 1 quart of ATF. Run it for a few hundred miles and change it again. After a few times it should clear up. Change the filter each time too.

In regards to that, Should you put like say 2.5 qts of oil and 1 qt of atf? our cars take like 3.5 - 3.8 qts if i remember correctly...

[t.mcginley.jr]

Drain the oil and refill with new oil and 1 quart of ATF. Run it for a few hundred miles and change it again. After a few times it should clear up. Change the filter each time too.

In regards to that, Should you put like say 2.5 qts of oil and 1 qt of atf? our cars take like 3.5 - 3.8 qts if i remember correctly...

Yes, you basically replace 1 quart of oil with a quart of ATF. It will break down carbon/old oil deposits pretty quick so I wouldn't leave it in too long, maybe 500-1000 miles. You can do this a few times if it doesn't go away, make sure to change the oil filter each time too if I didn't already mention that.

[Slizz]

Sweet! Thanks!

[Ziggy1621]

post up a video on Youtube then put it here so we can listen to the noise

[300ZDREW]

Well I've learned quite bit since inheriting this project. The Ticks not form the top of the motor and the ticks a knock coming from the bottom end.

That was just the beginning of my discoveries. Plugs did not look good. Oil in places it shouldn't of been uhm brittle connectors, stuck hoses etc. Car was ran pretty hot so i'm gonna pull it out today.

I was going to buy a used engine but decided the same problem may occur again it seems to be a common issue for this car.

Does anyone have any suggestion for brand of replacement parts as far as bearings, pistons etc.
And good machine shop near me in Riverside California. I would greatly appreciate it.

[t.mcginley.jr]

It's almost always better to rebuild your own engine than to buy a used one because you don't know what you're getting, like you said. Unless your engine is fatally damaged then just rebuild it. You might not even have to bore it out if the cylinder walls aren't too worn down (you will need to have a shop measure or buy a dial bore gauge and micrometer). No idea what machine shops are out there, I'm in Jersey

As far as replacement parts, most people suggest OEM. There's nothing wrong with using companies like Gates for timing belt components/bearings/water pumps and Fel-Pro for gaskets.