NL 3.5 ticking noise at startup

[Mark2]

My NL 3.5 (108,000 km) has what sounds like lifter noise for maybe 10 -20 seconds on a cold start. Heard somewhere this is common - is it a problem?

[South]

Its not really a problem for the engine, it will continue to operate properly. Its just a pain in the bum to listen to. The only solution (other than replacing at great expense) is to use a quality oil and drain it every 5000km. It only just starts to tick when its coming close to a service, so its kind of a warning for us, saying I need a service.

I know with the Ford Inline 6, the retainers chew away which causes them to tick, and they are very easy to service. Having not seen a lifter in the Paj before im not certain what part(s) is malfunctioning, but it may be as simple to fix.

[OnPatrol]

That's great info. My wife's NP 3.5 has the same ticking sound. It sounds like exhaust leak from inside the car, but once you open the bonnet it sounds like the lifters. I'll give it an oil change and see wot happens.

[South]

The fuel injectors in my Fairmont are quite loud, with the bonnet open you can clearly tell its them making the tick, but with the bonnet closed it sounds like my lifters are shagged, and the thin walled extractors amplify the tick even more... It drives me crazy!

Maybe us Petrol folk should buy a diesel, then we would have an excuse for rattly engines

[Mark2]

It only just starts to tick when its coming close to a service, so its kind of a warning for us, saying I need a service.

Funny you say that, its due for an oil change and the ticking has only started recently..............

[Zute]

The V6 has very small "Lash ajusters". Fine grit can block them, so a good filter is a must and changed often. They also wear out at the point where they rub on the valve stem.
Mitsubishi is quite happy that they only last about 100,000 ks. Mine lasted 120,000 . Sounded like a rattle gun when it finily died.
Good news, 30l only has 12.
Bad news , 3.5 has 24.

[Bitsamissin]

My 3.0 V6 has done 165K's and gets the lifter noise about every 10K's then I add a bottle of Nulon engine additive (cost about $10) which shuts them up again.
You can also try the factory cycling method (bleed & pressure up) and sometimes this can work.
http://www.4x4wire.com/mitsubishi/tech/ ... ter_noise/
Usually regular oil changes using a quality oil helps this issue.
I do know that Mitsu changed the lifters sometime in the mid 90's to an improved design but the problem can still exist.
If the lifter bleed holes block with gum deposits they can be removed and washed in diesel (use a thin peice of wire to unblock the holes) if they haven't failed completely.