Sr20det lifters

[Msregor]

I have a blacktop sr that apparently has one or two bad lifters. I can only hear a ticking sound when the car is warming up. Once warmed up the sound goes away. How bad is it to drive the car like this? I was planning on driving 2 hours away to visit a friend (bad idea?). Also was planning on getting the new lifters put in when I get back. Don't know what type to go with. I was thinking about the Tomei solid pivot lifter set from enjuku. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[kouki munster]

When was the last time you had an oil change? Sr's valve trains have a tendency to get a little noisy at 2500-3000 miles since the last oil change.

Unless you plan on revving past 8k rpm on a regular basis there is no need for solid pivots, there is also a fair amount of work that goes along with installing the solid pivots, so I would recommend some oem nissan replacements it is a lifter making the sound.

Also, do you have a s13 black top or an s14 black top (notch top)?

[Msregor]

Hey thanks for the response. Yea it's been a while. Had it at a shop and the guy said it sounded like the lifters. Said I did need an oil change but didn't mention it being a priority. Oil change was the last thing on my mind at the time. It's an s13 blacktop.

[kouki munster]

The sr has a tendency to cook the oil in about 2500-3000 miles, as would any turbo engine with a 3.5 quart capacity and no oil cooler, so it is very important to stay on top of oil changes.

Do an oil change and use a good 10w 30 synthetic oil, that will most likely solve your noisy valve train problem, but if not come back and (depending on your mechanical ability) I can point you in the direction of some other things to try.

[Msregor]

Yea I know. Car had been sitting for a while (bad cas) so never got around to it. I went out last night and got the oil/filter. Filter from 93 se-r. Was told to get 15w50. Looked into an oil cooler but was told it wasn't a nessecity if I wasn't tracking the car.

[kouki munster]

A oil cooler isn't a must have, it is just a good idea to have one to prolong the useful life of the oil, especially in a warm climate. Also, the fsm says 10w30 for anything above -4* fahrenheit, and 20w40/50 for really hot areas.

[Lobo240sx]

The SR20DET engine you MUST change your oil frequently. The oil galleries to the head are small and could easily get clogged. One reason why I enlarged them some. An oil cooler is good for insurance. It depends on the size turbo you have and areas you live in that has hot weather.

[Msregor]

Did the oil change and took it for a drive. Ticking sound is still there when warming up. Now I hear it when accelerating. Quiet at idle.

[Razi]

Perhaps you need to bleed the lifters?

[Msregor]

As far as oil coolers go, Isis is crap right? I thought about bleeding the lifters too but I don't know if I'm up to the task. I don't know which are the problem either. Mech said it was one or two in the back (intake side). I'll probably bring it to him when I get back. Might buy a couple just to have them. Anybody ever use rislone? Thanks again for all the responses.

[kouki munster]

Has it been making the sound since you replaced the cas and got the car on the road again?

[Msregor]

No it was doing it prior to the cas.

[Hoffman5982]

Bleeding the lifters is a lot easier than you think. Just take your time if you decide to tack it. When I did mine I did one side at a time so that I only had to pull one cam out and avoid messing up the timing. I also took some paint and put 3 lines on the chain and came gear to ensure it was back on perfectly. Put the motor at top dead center because you'll have to reset the CAS.

The bleeding just involves submerging the lifter in a bowl of oil, and using something(I used a small allen wrench) to stick into the top and pump the plunger and get the out of it. Then, while making sure this entire time the lifter stays completely upright, take the bowl over to the motor and drop it in.

If you do bleed them with no luck or you just want to replace the lifters, hit me up. I have a full set of new oem lifters. I wish you the best of luck.

[Hoffman5982]

Also, as kouki munster already said, I wouldn't recommend solid lifters. The initial install is a PIA but you have to constantly readjust them over time to make sure they are perfect. For a stock motor, or even mildly built, this is just an unnecessary inconvenience.

[Msregor]

Sorry for the late response. Sounds like its not too hard of a task but I don't know if I trust myself doing anything internal. Ive never messed with timing or had to set the engine to tdc. Been trying to get a hold of the only mechanic I know of or dealt with here but am unsuccessful. I was hoping I could ask him about bleeding them for me and adding rocker arm stoppers. If he does say I should replace them I'd definitely be interested in buying your oems from you.

Another question I've read that a lot of people remove the top timing chain guide. Last time I had the valve cover off I thought of doing it but wasn't positive I should. It sounds like the chain is rubbing it at certain rpms. I was going to get a new tensioner also. The motor has bc rods, je pistons, apexi head gasket, bc valve springs/retainers and bc cams. Thanks again. You guys are really helpful. Sorry for the newb questions.