T/F: I should step down a grade because

[jorton]

Mercury Tracer 4 cyl. 200,300 miles

T/F: I should step down a grade because there is some valve train noise after cold start-up. (cold start-up temp is 27C.)

 

[wiswind]

If the noise goes away quickly, it could be the anti-drainback in the oil filter is letting oil drain out of the filter when you shut down......then it takes longer to get oil up to the valve train when you start up.
A silicone anti-drainback valve is usually (but not always) orange when you look in the small holes that go around the edge of the filter.....and this is better than the black nitrile type.

I would use the viscocity that is recommended by the manufacturer....although you could go to a 0W instead of a 5W, with the SAME upper number .....0W-20 or 0W-30.

Also, a different brand of oil in the SAME viscosity may solve the issue.

 

[SEMI_287]

I found Fram XG is a good filter that has cured my start up noise.

 

[johnachak]

Originally Posted By: SEMI_287
I found Fram XG is a good filter that has cured my start up noise.


I find fords to be more sensitive to aftermarket oil filters. If the Motorcraft filter has an S in the number, 400s 820s, etc. I would use the Motorcraft filter..

 

[jorton]

After I started the car I listened to the tapping noise for about 2 minutes. The 27C oil(mixture of 5w30 and 10w30) should have been relatively thick. Oil light never comes on so I guess oil pressure is ok. Maybe I'll change to something that flows faster when it's cool.

 

[dwendt44]

If that doesn't work, go the other way.
In Texas a 10w30 would be fine, in the heat of summer Rotella 15w40 would work too at that high mileage.

My 2¢

 

[jorton]

Thanks! I didn't know if my thinking is on-track, or 180 off.

 

[jorton]

Originally Posted By: jorton
Thanks! I didn't know if my thinking is on-track, or 180 off.


Well, I just checked it again. Valve train sounds normal so I won't go down a grade. Tapping noise seems to be coming from the bottom. It's been that way for 4 years and it's not getting worse.

 

[electrolover]

i go up a grade when mine rattles, from 5/20 to 5w30 and that helped, but the quietest it has ever been is now with the maxlife 5/30. i think just because its thicker

 

[Virtuoso]

Every Topaz/Tracer 4cyl I've worked on was noisy.

All of them took loads of abuse and still ran!

 

[cb_13]

Originally Posted By: Virtuoso
Every Topaz/Tracer 4cyl I've worked on was noisy.

All of them took loads of abuse and still ran!

My thoughts exactly!