Help with 5.0 Stock Hydraulic Lifters

Discussion in 'Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech' started by Dagostang, Feb 11, 2009.

  1. Dagostang New Member

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    Ok, I've been pounding around forums and google web searches for a few days now and I'm having a hard time finding information on the specifics of what kind of hydraulic lifters came in 5.0's from the factory. I have an '88 with a 5.0 that has a ticking sound after the motor warms up on the passenger side of the engine.

    I'm trying to figure out the most cost effective way to fix this ticking because more than anything it's annoying! :notnice: I'm certain it's not an exhaust leak and when I had the valve cover off I quickly realized the stock rockers aren't adjustable. So from what I've been reading on here and from what people are telling me it must be a worn lifter making the noise. Are stock 5.0 lifters flat or roller? If they are flat can rollers be used as a replacement or will they damage the cam? Does anyone have any suggestions on a good stock replacement part?

    I've read a few threads that claim running a thinner oil may help but I'm not too knowledgeable on hydraulic lifters.

    Any advice from someone who has replaced lifters or someone who has remedied the same problem I'm having I would be grateful for... :)
  2. Wallzy New Member

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    Rollers.


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  3. blueink Member

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    i think mine are going out to, heard the same ticking noise on my car this weekend, a friend said it was the lifters. I heard the frpp replacements are always a good option to go with.
  4. Sicarius428 Active Member

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    The stock lifters in an HO 5.0 is roller. Just get some FMS rollers for 120 bucks or so and you should be set.
    Kevin
  5. 93 LX Founding Member

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    you could try an old school trick that may or may not work. Get some Marvels Mystery Oil from your local auto parts store. Read the directions and add it to your oil after a change. You will have to use a good filter since this will clean out the carbon and sludge thats is in most older engines. I am going to do this on my daughters 90 that has the same ticking. You will also need to change the oil after the inital cleaning then just add it to your oil in a normal change sequence.
  6. Dagostang New Member

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    thanks... I changed my oil and filter saturday night. i used conventional 10w30(i usually use 10w40), and my usual FL-A1 filter with a pint of marvel mystery oil.

    engine still ticks at low idle, but my newest annoyance is my erratic stock oil gauge. i plan on bypassing it and putting an old Auto Meter sender and gauge in to see how out to lunch i really am, if at all. my oem sender keeps getting too hot from my equal length headers :(. i'm thinking about plumbing the unit up higher than the header to keep some of the heat off.

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