3.9 V8 Tappety and Slow to get oil pressure at Start Up

**Rezley** · 5th February 2012, 10:18 AM

Hi All, been searching forum for a while now on lifters, oil pressure and the like.

Just come back from a 3500km trip and the Disco developed quite a tappet noise on start up - this is directly related to it also now taking up to 7 or so seconds to get oil pressure (According to the light) at which point the tappet noise goes away.

I run Penrite HPR GAS 10 in it and on this occasion waited until I'd completed the trip before an oil change - so it had around 9000km on old oil/filter, but I normally do them both every 5000km.

So I've changed both the oil and filter (always use a genuine one).

I'd think the anti-drain back situation would not apply as I never had the problem until after the trip.

Motor is a std 3.9 with 184k on the clock, running dual fuel since July last yr.

Should I be looking at lifters, cam, oil pump? or more?

A starting point to escalate from if needed would probably save me some time.

Thanks in advance.
Rez

**nat p** · 5th February 2012, 12:17 PM

Hmmmm,
I'd check oil pump, Or part sump off and clean oil pick up. I had a similar prob on my4.6 . Changed to a thinner oil and did the above and I have a worn cam (I thought it was a worn lifters, changed them, noise still there on start up) but after doing that goes away in 2 seconds. not the best but will have to wait unit I change cam.

It also could be the oil relief valve. Maybe time for a big clean out.

I'd also buy when you next do this is engine flush!!! Best stuff ever!!!

Cheers Nat

mike 90 RR · 5th February 2012, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Rezley

a tappet noise on start up - this is directly related to it also now taking up to 7 or so seconds to get oil pressure (According to the light) at which point the tappet noise goes away.

I assume it is a Serpentine belt 3.9

Don't start the motor, till you fix it

I would .....
Remove & check the front timing cover for gasket distortion (etc) ... as this has a oil gallery in it .... Then renew the oil pump

Then Install a oil pressure gauge ..... and see what it says

The other possibility is that your oil pickup (mesh) in the sump is blocked ... Sump off ..... <<<< Less parts dollars here

Cheers
Mike

**Tank** · 6th February 2012, 01:04 PM

I would drop the sump and replace all the main and bigend bearings and maybe use a heavier grade oil, Regards Frank.

**PhilipA** · 6th February 2012, 03:15 PM

I would drop the sump and replace all the main and bigend bearings and maybe use a heavier grade oil, Regards Frank.

HPR Gas 10 is 10W 50.
I don't think he needs heavier than that unless it uses lots and if it uses lots the engine is worn out.
The 2000 onwards Castrol recommendation is 10w-40 in exactly the same engine and I run my 210Kk car on 10w-40 with no problems.
Regards Philip A

**Tank** · 6th February 2012, 05:35 PM

Philip, thats a relief, I would still run something heavier and at least replace the big end bearings, Regards Frank.

**Rezley** · 6th February 2012, 08:15 PM

Hi All,

Thanks for the responses.
Its a 97' with Serpentine belt. Doesn't use any oil and feels as strong to drive as it always has.

I'll start with sump removal and go from there. Fingers crossed its nothing major, if its going to cost a bit I'd rather pull it off the road and rebuild a 4.6 for it.

Will report back what I find....

Cheers,
Rez

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