Ford: Fairly loud , non-continuous, metallic clicking (tapping) noise from top front of engine of my 1999 Ford Explorer (4L SOHC) 4WD, 59,000 miles., valve lifter, noise problem

Question
The engine runs smoothly when it is started cold.  It continues to run smoothly while the vehicle is driven 5 miles, 50 miles, or more before being stopped and the engine shut off.  The tapping noise starts when the engine is restarted after having been shut off for 10 to 15 minutes.  The tapping is fairly loud for about 5 minutes, but gradually stops tapping in another 5 minutes.  The engine then continues to run quietly at idle and while the vehicle is being driven an unlimited distance.  I have replaced a quart of the engine oil with a quart of Risolene.  Very little, if any, improvement was noticed in this engine noise problem.  How can the problem be fixed.

Answer
H. Mallow,

It sounds like you have either a bad lifter or bad lifters. You will need to take your vehicle and have them or the valve spring(s) adjusted. If you do not do this, you will drop a valve lifter and eventually your engine will blow up. Hope that this helps and if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Good luck.


Ken