Engine tick from valves, what is causing this?

[nogard]

1988 with 165,000 on 3S-FE. I just ran some Seafoam through the PCV line in to the intake, and put some in the oil. It was old oil and I was doing an oil change. I drove the car about 30 miles with the recommended amount of Seafoam in the oil.

It has been about 600 miles on the new oil change. I noticed at around 2500 RPM sometimes in second or third gear while accelerating I get a louder than normal tick from the engine.

With the hood open I revved up the engine in neutral. The engine has it usual valve tick that is always did, these engine seem to make some usual noise anyway.

Did the Seafoam do something? Do I have a clog? The oil is very clean and the engine has the correct amount in it. Seems like it does not tick if I drive like a grandma like I usually do to save gas. I do not want to wreck anything, what do I do?

[joeykrim]

im not an expert and havent ever used seaform. ive also never heard a "tick" type noise. im thinking tick like tick-tock of a clock, but i def have heard the knocking. i would hear it more so when the car is cold and warming up, probably 30 seconds max.
maybe you could elaborate more on the noise or provide more detail? any consistent rpm levels when you hear it?

[white90dx]

Run a tank of 89 octane to see if you are getting knock... If the noise goes away, you will should probably just keep running 89 octane to keep your motor healthy and knock/ping free.

-Charlie

[nogard]

I actually run 92 or 93, for the mpg/cost it is about the same. And most of the top grade stuff around here don't have the corn in it, which I prefer anyway.

That thought crossed my mind that it was engine knock, but I know what that sounds like. I've thoroughly gone through the whole ignition system in the last year. I've also just check and adjusted the timing, it is a 13°BTDC with jumper installed. The timing isn't usually a problem until the temps around here get hotter.

When I used to use cheaper oil filters and did start the car for 4 days or more there would be a "lack of oil" knock. It isn't a crank speed knock, it is more in time with the cams, shims, valves. You know the normal clicking valve train sound. It is that but less lubricated sounding. The strange thing is it just happen a short while from 1500-2500 RPM, seems hit and miss.

Although now that it has been a while I haven't heard it. This is why I was wondering if it had something to do with the use of the Sea foam?

[AlmightyCamry777]

The seafoam probably dislodged some sludge in the valvetrain area. I think the first easy thing i'd try would be a change to heavier oil now that it's summertime. I'd try 30 w or 20w-50 oil and see what happens. Or just add some STP.

If that doesn't help the next step is to remove the valve cover and check the valve clearances. I think this engine uses shims so if they are out of spec, adjusting them is not too easy. If they are not out of spec, you can live with it or remove the head for a valve job.