Periodic loud ticking immediately after oil change M50

[repenttokyo]

So I had my oil changed today, and put in 5w40 synthetic as I have previously, same shop as well. This evening, and part of this afternoon, my engine has developed a really loud tick at low rpm - it almost sounds like a diesel. It seems to be coming from the top of the engine. While driving, there are periods where it goes away, but so far it has always come back. Any ideas as to what could have happened / what it is?

[gmannino]

Valves need to be adjusted.

[repenttokyo]

Valves need to be adjusted.

I didn't think the M50 motor needed periodic valve adjustments. Any reason why it would be all of a sudden, after an oil change?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Valves need to be adjusted.

I'd like to see you try.......


I had the same problem when I put 0w40 in my M50tu, it sounded like a old VW rabbit.

Went up to 15w50 and all is well.

[repenttokyo]

I had the same problem when I put 0w40 in my M50tu, it sounded like a old VW rabbit.

Went up to 15w50 and all is well.

that is frustrating to hear after dropping so much on a fresh pail of 5w40, but I have read others say the same thing. It was also very hot (well, for Canada) here today, which might have thinned things out even more.

Any chance that running like this is hurting my engine? Or is it just an annoying noise...I am running an EAT chip as well.

[rob101]

I'd like to see you try.......


I had the same problem when I put 0w40 in my M50tu, it sounded like a old VW rabbit.

Went up to 15w50 and all is well.

x2 except for the m50 non-vanos, going to drop out the 5W-40 and go back to 5W-50 mobil 1.
just doesn't seem to have the pressure to get the lifters to pump up with an oil pump thats done 270 000 kms

[Dave M]

Same

I've never tried a 40 weight, but have had good luck with the 5W-50 M1.

[Jon K]

Yep, any thinner than 10w50 or so and I have a little noise that is not only audible but sometimes shows up as false knock.

10w50 or 15w50 is all my engine sees now.

[repenttokyo]

I was on my way to pickup some 15w50 today when halfway through the trip the ticking miraculously subsided to normal high mileage engine sounds. I will see tomorrow if it is back or not.

Is this ticking hurting my engine?

[repenttokyo]

Yep, any thinner than 10w50 or so and I have a little noise that is not only audible but sometimes shows up as false knock.

10w50 or 15w50 is all my engine sees now.

What weirds me out is that I ran 5w40 for the previous 5000 km with no issues. Any ideas as to why it's suddenly a problem?