'97 Rodeo Questions

[MorpheusJay]

Let me start by saying that I am still a n00b when it comes to cars and as such not really confident getting under the hood. However, that being said, I have a couple of questions.

The infamous tapping noise has started on my Passport. I have searched this forum and found some good things to try, but I want to make sure before I do. Some info on my Passport; the tapping is constant, though it is noticebly louder at startup and dies down a little when it warms up. Timing belt and tensioner replaced about 3k miles ago. EGR replaced, though I don't know when, still looks nice and new to me. Vehicle has 103000 miles on it. I added some additive to the oil (forget which one right now, but one that was recommended here), but that did not stop the tapping. I added fuel injector cleaner on a full tank of gas, still did not stop. Here are my questions:

1) I have seen posts about going to a synthetic oil (like Royal Purple) but some mechanics have told me this is not a good idea if the car does not run on synthetic now. Is this a safe thing to do? Or do I risk really screwing up the enging with that? Should I go to a synthetic blend first for maybe 3 or 6k miles b4 going to a full synthetic?

2) The EGR cleaning I have seen posted here (thanx for those instructions) seem fairly easy to follow, but is it something that a person of my very limited familiarity should do? (To clarify my knowledge, assume I know nothing, lol) Would I need to purchase any specialty tools?

I realize this may seem like basic questions for some of you and appreciate your time and responses. Thank you.

[rodeo02]

Jay I wouldn't worry too much about the EGR system on your 1997. The 1993-1997's are way less problematic than the 1998+ and have a totally different (feedback) system. As far as the ticking goes, you could try running engine flush prodructs (seafoam, GUNK, etc..) I personally would just keep up on oil changes, use a quality 5w-30 and a GOOD oil filter (napa, carquest, purolator, isuzu). The lash adjuster tick comes/goes with these engines.
G/luck
Joel

[MorpheusJay]

Thank you very much! Will keep things real simple for this engine n00b!

[Cat Fuzz]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

I personally would just keep up on oil changes, use a quality 5w-30 and a GOOD oil filter (napa, carquest, purolator, isuzu)......

What that means is not Penzoil oil and not Fram oil filters. Both are crap. I recomend Napa oil and filters. The oil is Valvoline (very good) and their filters are made by Wix (also very good) and the prices are very reasonable.

[MorpheusJay]

Thanx Cat, NAPA will be my next stop. I appreciate the time you took to respond.