Major problem with my Grand Prix

[carguy9927]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT and there's something going on with it bad. When I start the car the motor is ticking bad. As soon as I drive it for like 10 or 15 miles though the ticking noise goes away. Does anybody have any ideas? Do I need a new motor? Please help

[GTP Dad]

No you don't need a new engine. It sounds like you have a lifter that is leaking down when the engine is shut off. The ticking you hear is the lifter itself. Once you drive a few miles the lifter returns to normal and the noise goes away. I suggest that you check your oil to make sure it is at the proper level. Sometimes a ticking lifter can indicate that your oil is low. Otherwise it is just an annoyance not a major problem.

[richtazz]

in addition to GTP Dad's suggestion, try putting some CD-2, Seafoam or Marvels Mystery oil in. If you let your oil changes slide a bit, or use Pennzoil, you may just have some sludge clogging the lifter up. The CD-2 fixed a friends van that was doing the same thing. It's cheap and easy and won't harm anything even if it doesn't fix it, it's worth a try. DO NOT use an engine flush (the type you put in just before changing your oil and let it run 5-10 minutes). Those chemicals actually break down the lubricity of the oil and can do MAJOR engine damage. The add-in detergents I listed above stay in and you let it run for the life of the oil change.

[carguy9927]

Originally Posted by richtazz

in addition to GTP Dad's suggestion, try putting some CD-2, Seafoam or Marvels Mystery oil in. If you let your oil changes slide a bit, or use Pennzoil, you may just have some sludge clogging the lifter up. The CD-2 fixed a friends van that was doing the same thing. It's cheap and easy and won't harm anything even if it doesn't fix it, it's worth a try. DO NOT use an engine flush (the type you put in just before changing your oil and let it run 5-10 minutes). Those chemicals actually break down the lubricity of the oil and can do MAJOR engine damage. The add-in detergents I listed above stay in and you let it run for the life of the oil change.

Thanks for your help guys. The car is doing alot better. First I put in a bottle of lucas and a can of seafoam and that is helping because now the lifter is starting to unstick itself. Hopefully it goes away for good.

[richtazz]

thanks for the feedback, we like hearing good results!