1996 Saturn SL1 valve malfunction

RICHARDNATHAN

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL1
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
49,000 MILES

My engine has a fairly loud ticking noise, which has been diagnosed by a mechanic as a "stuck valve lifter." How important is it that I have this repaired/replaced? Can it lead to additional damage of the engine?

As the mechanic suggested, I tried an engine additive that was supposed to free the valve. I added it to the crankcase and ran the car for 10-15 minutes. The noise got louder rather than softer, so I decided not to continue. I replaced the oil immediately.

What should I do now?

Thank you for your help.

Richard

3 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Richard, how long has this noise been with you? Does it come and go, or is it constant? It might be a worn cam follower or cam lobe. Over the long term, it really won't hurt anything. It's just an irritating noise. If it "is" a cam follower or a cam lobe, it will get gradually louder and may get to the point where the cylinder will misfire. Hope this helps.

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Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 12:57 AM

RICHARDNATHAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

James, I have noticed the noise since September, 2008. I hear it all the time. Thanks for the information.

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Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 9:59 AM

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Glad to help. If your noise gradually gets louder, you may still want to pull the valve cover just to see what's going on. Anything else, you know where to find us.

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Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 4:40 PM