Valve tapping during acceleration

[suminfinit92]

I have a 92 Q45 with 113k miles. Resently I've notice a sight valve tapping whenever I accerate from stop, once it gets up to speed I don't hear it. It sounds like a sticking valve. I would hope that a additive could clean up the noise, but I don't hold much hope in this solution. Any ideas? By the way, thanks guys for the help when I replaced my fuel pump.

[DAEDALUS]

I've been surprised in the past by how much of a difference can be had simply by changing the type of oil. I read all kinds of stories online about how "synth is good" or "synth is bad" or "changing oil causes problems". I think changes in sound might vary from one vehicle to another. On my '90 Q it's very obvious the car prefers full synth, which I usually run in 10W-30.

Try other oils first; if that doesn't help, explore other options then. A little ATF for 10 minutes just before an oil change might help.

[suminfinit92]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give changing the oil type a try. I've never heard of running ATF before an oil change, isn't ATF transmission fluid? If it is, how much would you use?

[MY92Q]

I also have a 92Q and back a couple of years ago, around your same mileage, I heard a "tapping" upon acceleration. It turned out to be the accelerator cables vibrating in their mounts on the firewall. Just my 2 cents. See if they're loose.

[DAEDALUS]

ATF has more detergents than motor oil, but is probably more moderate than commercial "flush-in-a-can" stuff. I like to pour maybe 1/3 - 1/2 qt in there and let it idle for 10-15 minutes, then change the oil immediately.

[texasoil]

The ATF story is an old wives tale--and WAS true in the 60's when engine oil was very poor compared to today's oils. Use the STP engine flush and do it right.

[suminfinit92]

Thanks for all the advice. The tapping seems to have settled down. Thanks again.

[Q45tech]

BG makes a special [ non kerosene/pine oil] BG Quick Clean for Engines which is the best for stuck/varnished HLA may require 2-3 treatments and 4 changes of oil to do it right.

The Engine Sludge flushes won't cut the varnish.