95 Lesabre clacking noise from front end of engine only when hot

[Hermit]

Hi - Engine sounds perfect until it gets hot then it makes an irregular clacking noise - Has 134,000 miles and I use synthetic oil - I don't seem to hear it when driving, only at low rpm idling and hot.

 

[4 barrel]

A low grade oil filter can do that with lifters. I could really hear it when going through a drive in bank. I have experienced it more with Chevrolet motors. Factory oil filters fixed most of them.

 

[Hermit]

A low grade oil filter can do that. I have experienced it more with Chevrolet motors.T

Thanks for responding -I use Amsoil 10 W 30 motor oil - I use good quality oil filters as well - Thanks

 

[4 barrel]

I'm 81 and started changing my own oil at 16. I owned an auto repair shop over 45 years. I changed the oil on 4 of my autos and Kubota tractor and 3 lawn mowers this past summer. I've never had anyone change my oil. I don't think I will be able to do it again. I've seen so many oil pans stripped out I don't trust anyone doing it but my mechanic baddy's. I just had an mri last week and if the doc can fix my back I'll still be doing my on. Wix-AC-and Motorcraft are hard to beat. If lifter noise when hot maybe try some Lucas stabilizer. It only takes about 5 pounds of oil pressuer to turn the light out. My dad had a 427ci hay truck and the lifters would make a noise when hot idling and STP was the fix.

 

[Hermit]

I do appreciate your experience - I'm 73 myself - I wouldn't have ever called myself a mechanic but I did my oil changes and tune ups and basic stuff when I was younger - Even swapped engines 3 times if you include an old VW Beetle - Anyway, for my particular problem would you use the Lucas or the STP or both? - Also, are you good with synthetic oil? - Thanks again

 

[4 barrel]

I use Mobil 1 in my wife's 2008 Lucerne every 7000 miles and still looks good when I change it and AC filter. I would prefer Lucas if used but you may have to drain a little oil before adding. You could replace just the oil filter to a different brand just to test and then add the Lucas or additive of your choosing. I have a pickup that leaked power steering fluid 4 years ago and used Lucas Stop Leak before changing the pump. It slowed the leak so every time it was low I added a little more. The pump is still on after 4 years and has a very small leak. I park it the same place on concrete and have to clean a place about 6'' every couple months.