My Mustang sits for a week at a time. I drive it on weekends. Upon starting, for a few seconds there is lifter tapping noise. Then it goes away and the car runs fine. Actually better than fine. I am using Mobil 1 5w-40. It has 1300 of zinc and 1100 of phosphorous. I picked it for that, and I thought a synthetic would protect better since the car is not used every day and may sit for a week or two, and several months in the winter. Should I try another oil to stop the lifter tick at start? Thanks.
Ford 289 Engine Oil
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What are you using for an oil filter? What you are hearing is the lifters, which have bled down. Perfectly normal for hydraulic lifters. Some oil filters drain back more than others (though the location of the filter on the Windsor is pretty decent at mitigating this) so you may experience reduced tick with a filter that retains more oil.
I don't see a problem. I find FILTERS more responsible for startup noise than oil. So next oil change ( every 2 or 3 years I suppose!) you may want try a different brand. Unless you are stuck on Motorcraft.
I think you are good to enjoy your car as is.
I think you are good to enjoy your car as is.
Try a filter with a silicone ADBV, see if it makes a difference. It does on newer engines.
What you describe is not unheard of when using synthetic oils specially Mobil 1 and hydraulic lifters.
Because of the base stocks Mobil 1 uses, primarily Grp. IV PAO, it tends to drain more after shutdown and stick less to engine parts than a thicker base oil conventional for example.
I would bet that using an oil with a slightly thicker base oil such as a 10W-30 synthetic blend or even 15W-40 Conventional oil the lifters would not tap when cold.
Try Shell Rotella T4 15W-40.
My Escort has hydraulic lifters, and they are significantly quieter when cold with a 15W-40 Dino than a 10W-40 blend.
Because of the base stocks Mobil 1 uses, primarily Grp. IV PAO, it tends to drain more after shutdown and stick less to engine parts than a thicker base oil conventional for example.
I would bet that using an oil with a slightly thicker base oil such as a 10W-30 synthetic blend or even 15W-40 Conventional oil the lifters would not tap when cold.
Try Shell Rotella T4 15W-40.
My Escort has hydraulic lifters, and they are significantly quieter when cold with a 15W-40 Dino than a 10W-40 blend.
When an engine sits the oil drains from the oil galleys. The hydraulic lifters bleed down [the oil gets pushed out].. The noise you are hearing is the time it takes for the oil to fill the galleys and the time it takes for the lifters to refill with oil.
How about some smarter molecules
Sorry couldn't resist.
I actually was thinking of just changing the filter to see what happens. The filter on it is for Concours shows and it is from National Parts Depot. It is a "period correct" gold filter (correct logos etc.)for a 1966 Mustang. But as to who makes it? It's anyone's guess. So any filter suggestions?
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Originally Posted By: Building3
I actually was thinking of just changing the filter to see what happens. The filter on it is for Concours shows and it is from National Parts Depot. It is a "period correct" gold filter (correct logos etc.)for a 1966 Mustang. But as to who makes it? It's anyone's guess. So any filter suggestions?
FRAM Ultra or some other synthetic glass media filter like the AMSOIL EaO or Royal Purple. Lots of options in this size.
I actually was thinking of just changing the filter to see what happens. The filter on it is for Concours shows and it is from National Parts Depot. It is a "period correct" gold filter (correct logos etc.)for a 1966 Mustang. But as to who makes it? It's anyone's guess. So any filter suggestions?
FRAM Ultra or some other synthetic glass media filter like the AMSOIL EaO or Royal Purple. Lots of options in this size.
Napa Gold (WIX) and keep your show filter for shows
I also agree with 15W-40 like Delo. SBF's all seem to be capable of clatter on cold start after sitting when using M1. Just try a high quality dino oil and see if it makes a difference ... If it does, you know what to do
You are not going to put enough miles or hours on that engine to make any difference in its lifespan. It won't go 200,000 while in your care. If you changed HDEO once a year, you'd be $ ahead and the motor will be fine for a gazzilion years.
I don't know how many Mustangs got the snot run out out of them on the track running Delo 400 15W-40. But it must number in the millions by now ...
I also agree with 15W-40 like Delo. SBF's all seem to be capable of clatter on cold start after sitting when using M1. Just try a high quality dino oil and see if it makes a difference ... If it does, you know what to do
You are not going to put enough miles or hours on that engine to make any difference in its lifespan. It won't go 200,000 while in your care. If you changed HDEO once a year, you'd be $ ahead and the motor will be fine for a gazzilion years.
I don't know how many Mustangs got the snot run out out of them on the track running Delo 400 15W-40. But it must number in the millions by now ...
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MolaKule
Staff member
Originally Posted By: CT8
Originally Posted By: Duffyjr
How about some smarter molecules
Sorry couldn't resist.
The smart molecules will still drain out of the oil passages .
The smart molecules will go and hide, instead of being pressurized, squeezed, sheared, and heated.
Originally Posted By: Duffyjr
How about some smarter molecules
The smart molecules will still drain out of the oil passages .
The smart molecules will go and hide, instead of being pressurized, squeezed, sheared, and heated.
Originally Posted By: FordCapriDriver
Because of the base stocks Mobil 1 uses, primarily Grp. IV PAO, it tends to drain more after shutdown and stick less to engine parts than a thicker base oil conventional for example.
True, but not the whole truth.
FACT: All oils drain off of exposed hot parts, down to a residual film. In one hours time from shutdown, there is nothing but residual oil remaining.
Anyone who has ever pulled a valve cover on an OHC engine knows what I mean. There is not a thick film of oil on the parts. Oil remains only where it can sit.
Because of the base stocks Mobil 1 uses, primarily Grp. IV PAO, it tends to drain more after shutdown and stick less to engine parts than a thicker base oil conventional for example.
True, but not the whole truth.
FACT: All oils drain off of exposed hot parts, down to a residual film. In one hours time from shutdown, there is nothing but residual oil remaining.
Anyone who has ever pulled a valve cover on an OHC engine knows what I mean. There is not a thick film of oil on the parts. Oil remains only where it can sit.
Sort of. We're back to the fact that this engine sits for days/weeks. Most good synthetics will exhibit some drain off. Not from surfaces, they all do that. It's the capillary fill spaces that separate the thick residual oil films from the thin ones. And that is usually governed by surface tension, which is often lower in synthetics ...
That is why I run Delo/Delvac in my SBF. It's that thicker capillary film that means less clatter on cold start after sitting for a week
It's easy to test and your ears will tell you what is happening
That is why I run Delo/Delvac in my SBF. It's that thicker capillary film that means less clatter on cold start after sitting for a week
It's easy to test and your ears will tell you what is happening
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VR-1 and a K&N HP-3001. That’s what I’d do. Unless I wanted to spend more money, then it would get Amsoil Z-Rod and the same filter. K&N just sent me two new HP-3001’s because I griped about pleat spacing in an email. Much to my chagrin, they are now using thread end bypass valves in the HP-3001. They did not in the past. The Torino will now always wear one. (They also have silicone ADBV’s and 500 psi burst rating).
And because racecar.
And because racecar.
I've used four different oils in my truck since I had a used 350 crate motor my mech sold me with 12k on it put in. VWB bulk, VR1, Magnatec blend and T5 all 10w30. There was always a slight ticking noise on start up for a couple seconds with the Valvoline products but the other two alleviated the ticking even when it sits for a week. I always use a Wix or Gold filer so I don't think it was filter related. I'm going to try some Magnatec 5w30 in it this winter and then back to the T5 10w30 in the summer.
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