Had a loud lifter noise coming from drivers side of my f-150 about 125,000 on used replacement motor with approximately 100,000 miles. Had 535,000 on original motor. I did what you suggested drove about a half mile completely quite now. So happy. Trucks got 658,000 miles on body. I’ve owned it for 25 years 😊 thanks
I worked at GM in Oshawa for 30 years and knew a couple of guys that started doing that back in the 60’s and they had kept their old cars as they bought new ones and ended up with a few old great running cars. Guy Canada 🇨🇦
I learned this trick from my Grandfather back in 1980 when I was 10 yrs old and have done this to every vehicle i have owned. i did this for a friend who bought a 2006 5.3 that developed the tick at 100,000 he know has 298,000 on the clock and it is smooth and quiet. Excellent video and advice for those who do not know. Glad to see there are people like you passing the inexpensive fix it tricks along.
Appreciate you stopping by and your comment. A lot of people think this trick is nuts, which is why I wanted to show me actually putting it in. This isn't some camera trick, it's real automotive tricks that help keep your car running great. That reminds me, I'm due for another oil change!
Let us know if it helps. The Odyssey is an overhead cam, so usually when they start Ticking the valves need to be adjusted It can't hurt, but probbaly won't solve your particular problem
I worked at a full service gas station 54 years ago and had a guy come in driving a Volvo. He claimed to be an engineer and told me he used straight transmission fluid in the motor primarily because he claimed it had more detergents and worked betted than oil. Reluctantly I topped up the engine with a quart of transmission fluid and off he went. Over the years I have had motors run over 500,000 miles by changing the oil and filters regularly. I also use an additive every time I change the oil as well. Either Bardahl or more recently Lucas. Never tried transmission fluid in my engines, but this show reminded me of that day many years ago.
I tried Doing This on our '05 Avalanche with the 5.3 that developed a periodic lifter tick after 200,000 miles, Which was getting to be constant! Before Changing the Oil, I added 1qt of ATF and 6oz of Seafoam and ran it for 200 miles, then added the same after Changing the Oil, but then replaced one Qt of 5w30 with the ATF, and I have Not Noticed it ticking Since!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GREAT TIP!!!
Rislone oil treatment also works wonders. It costs about the same as a quart of ATF. I worked in auto repair in the 70s and 80s and made dozens upon dozens of customers happy with this stuff.
Canadian mechanics are top of the line. I've learned quit a few little tricks that have saved me tons of money and headaches. Seems they still operate with the same tricks of the trade that my grandparents and great grandparents used. Great content!
@@GearsAndTech for sure! It's hard to find content from truly knowledgeable and skilled craftsmen. Sadly, the American way is to throw away and buy new so as to keep up with the societal standards, instead of to refurbish, maintain and rely on self. Love to actually talk with and learn from you!
@@GearsAndTechdoes this trick work for new lifters? I soaked them 3 days in oil, and also replaced the rockers i do see oil coming up to the top of each rocker. 2000 silverado 4.3 225k miles
@@A_H_M.84 The American government, EPA, Manufacturers and Dealerships way. Not my working man American way!😂😂😂 I fix and maintain all the vehicles and equipment on my street. It's a bit rough fitting it all in when I work 50hr weeks at work. Then come home and take care of my neighbors vehicles, mowers, chainsaws or whatever they have. I'm just thankful for my father teaching me how to fix anything and buying me tools when I was young. Create the community you dream of. 👍
I appreciate this video. I have 2015 4.3 GM. 118K miles. I am using SeaFoam with the same logic. Keeping oil passages clean , no sludge, along with 50% GM oil service ( 50 engine hours 5K mile) oil change. This video information is based on the same principles as using Marvel Mystery Oil, Seafoam, and in this case Trans fluid. Must keep clean, sludge free, and high detergent oil. Prevention is best fix.
Hi. I have Jeep 5.7 hemi. After using 1 liter of ATF for 5 liters of oil 5w20 lifters stopped giving a ticking sound. Sound ticks disappeared after 150 miles. You are the best. Thank you and I wish all the best for you. Chris from GB.
2.5 years ago I bought a Jeep GC Overland with 54,000 miles. On the second oil change I noticed a small "tick." So I just changed my oil again for the third time, and I used about a liter of ATF. I ran it for about 2 minutes to get through the engine, and will see how it works. Praying this solves the issue. They don't make Jeeps like they use too at all; and I still have to make payments, because its out of warranty now 6/75,000. Thanks for the comment that helps.
In late 80s I turned a few wrenches, found Pennzoil and fram filters both horrible, oil creates sludge, fram a cheapest and bad material inside it like paper check your research.
Thanks for commenting. As stated before, I am not endorsing any specific brands in this video. Hopefully nobody is running out to buy penzoil and fram filters because that's what I used.
I've been putting a quart of transmission fluid in my oil for years. One time I had a Chevy pick up that had 5 lbs. of oil pressure at idle, sometimes even less when it was warm. After running transmission fluid for 2 oil changes, oil pressure came up to 20 lbs. at idle. And it was great running down the road. Wont hurt anything, I've been doing this since the 70's.
Used to use T fluid right in the carb throat at high idle to clean everything out on older cars. It is basically a detergent. Mix 50/50 acetone and T fluid to take the place of penetrating oil too. Works well.
@@victorthecarguy3126 I've had really good luck with MMO for loosening up sticky lifters. I just do an oil change and substitute one qt of oil for 1 qt of MMO. Seems to work pretty good.
It also works on cleaning out the engine with a lot of sludge build up , had a slant 6 full of sludge put in 2 quarts 500 miles before oil change and it cleaned it out, works great, been doing that since the 70's👍👍
I had a BADLY sludged (neglected) 2006 GM 3.6 ltr. It was burning 1.5-2 quarts every 600 miles, and blowing blue / grey smoke on acceleration after idle. FIXED IT (4 part process): Replaced PCV valve (totally clogged). 3x cans berrymans b-12 chemtool into 1/4 tank of fuel. 1 can berrymans into the engine (oil). Gave it a thrashing. Drained oil (bad). Added 5 quarts oil, 2 quarts kerosene and let it idle 20 mins. Drained (BAD), and repeated but for 40 mins with a couple of bursts 5x mins at 3,000 rpm. Drained oil, "not as bad". Refilled with oil (filters were changed each step), it runs FINE now. No exhaust smoke. None at all !!! Engine is more responsive, slightly better fuel efficiency. Still uses a little bit of oil (known timing cover leak), but it's maybe 1/2 quart every 600 ish miles, less than a third of what it used to burn. I'M HAPPY !!!
I am impressed he knows this, it is an old-school mechanic trick, I have known and been doing this for 30+ years. He is very correct in what he is saying, but keep in mind it is not a fix-all, but in my 36 years as a Mechanic, it is approximately 80% effective and for the cost of 1 quart of ATF it is well worth the try, avg to replace the lifters is around $1600 pending on shop and UP, the best way to do this is just to substitute 1QT of oil for 1QT of ATF so if it is a 5QT oil change you would do 4QT of oil 1QT of ATF or 6QT oil change it would be 5QT of oil and 1QT of ATF anything larger the ratio will change. Job well done Sir, from your neighbors way down south.
Thanks for the compliments. I learned it from an old industrial mechanic when I worked at a steel mill. He walked around with a bottle of ATF everywhere. It fixed a lot of problems!
Thank u for this comment I was lookin for this statement !!! my 2013 Cadillac XTS just started doing this, it’s got 123,000 and change. When it’s a cold start it’s loud with the ticking, but seems to quick down as she warms up and slowly idles.
This is for real.. it may not totally take away lifter noise but it helps a lot. I have a GMC Savana with the 6.0 I have been doing this every other oil change since 110k it has 270k on it now. I do it on my 5.3 Silverado too.
I had a stuck lifter that was so noisy that I thought for sure something was going to bust out the side of the engine! I did your method and it freed itself within 2 days. My Tahoe has never run so quiet! THANKS!
Omg! Hell yeah! I think I have a lifter stuck on my 2017 GMC Sierra. This truck has a 6.2l rebuilt motor with all sorts of racing mods to the motor. Few days ago I checked the oil because it started a loud ticking noise on the driver's side, and to my surprise the oil level was really low. That's how I found out I have a leak around the valve cover 😆. Anyways I added the oil needed and thought that would stop the loud ticking. I drove about 50 miles and the problem got worse... The ticking is louder almost a knocking sound. Man I hope this method works 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@work4dough 😭 I feel your pain, started with replacing the lifter, then cam, after no one could figure out what else was wrong I ended up just getting a rebuild engine… total shit show with these V4/8 engines
Back in the 60's we had a 61 Belair with the 283. We had pulled one of the valve covers and the motor was pretty gunned up. We changed the oil and ran Mobil Delvac. We pulled the valve covers after that and the difference was amazing.
I have a 97 Silverado 350,000 miles, religiously do oil change at 3500 miles. Truck runs great, I have noticed that ticking upon start up. I am going to add atf to the oil. Thanks for the tip! I too, have been adding Seafoam for the last several years. Want 500,000 miles out of this truck. I love my dependable truck
No problem. It's funny how much we forget, and then learn all over again This is one of those tricks that are dying, but super effective. Would hate for it to get lost and not passed down.
This totally works. I have four late 90's GM OBS trucks with vortec engines. Lifters can tick on high mileage engines. I do it about two times a year. No ticking.
@@crazu1980 Yes. It seems like the lifters only click for a few seconds now. Instead of a minute or so. I have a high mileage engine. It also had a 5 quart a month real main leak. I added some Blue Devil and the leak stopped completely. It did resume leaking after a couple months. But mostly just a few drops overnight.
THANK YOU!! I use the cheap ATF transmission fluid that you suggested, check my oil and filter. My last oil change I put a quart of Lucas’s oil stabilizer and put 5 quarts of oil and that made my truck tick. When I saw your video I was a little scared at first but after I did the oil change my truck doesn’t tick anymore! I now will recommend to everyone to do this!!
@@GearsAndTech man just today it now just ticking just like I did before with the transmission atf fluid with the oil. You think it can cause someone with the oil pump gasket?
Keep an eye on your oil pressure when it's warm and idling. Then see what happens when you rev the throttle a little higher. Lots of things can contribute to low oil pressure. But it's possible your oil pump is failing or a number of other things that cause oil pressure related issues
😆🤣 transmission fluid actually only has very small amounts of detergents in it because it doesn’t NEED to clean anything inside a sealed transmissions. There are no contaminants getting in nor produced during regular operation. You obviously don’t know jack squat about oil chemistry. 🤦🏻♂️
####My stuck lifter is working again because of your video. ####### I watched your video and I used one quart and drove it for about 2 months. Before I put it in I had two codes showing. One was the sending unit and the other was from a stuck lifter in cylinder 4. I was using a range device to bypass the AFM system. Now both codes are gone truck has regained compression and getting ready to clean out oil and another quart of atf with the new oil. Thanks
Every 6.0 AFM cadillac I work on, I spray a can of brake clean into the oil fill port before putting the new oil in. Helps keep the motor clean and running smooth 👍
It worked on my 2008 suburban LTZ I tried the foam engine cleaner and then Lucas oil treatment I still had the lifter noise then I drain the oil and started using the transmission fluid and it worked. I have added it to all of my oil changes with no issues. If you are afraid keep the tick or go to the repair shop and get new lifters installed!!!
My 2004 S10 Blazer has 418000 on it,n it started ticking last week. I change my oil every 3000/3500 , since 2016. Yes I'm going to give it a try... Thanks Dude.
An old trick I used to do it at my Shop in Toronto. Always listened to the engine coming and always had happy returning customers. If the engine calls for 4-5 or 6 ltrs of oil just substitute one with Dextron Trans fluid for GM.. IN GM vehicles Only I have never done it to any other make. It improves the detergents and helps remove that gunk build up and get them flow ports flowing better getting oil everywhere it's supposed to be. Your engine nolonger starves for OIL. and all that TAR gets cleaned out.
In the 60's we used to use marvil mystery oil for this purpose. If you can fill your oil filter once before you install it, that's great for first start! Change your oil regularly, 5k at most & rotate tires. Happy driving!
I still use the mystery oil. I go through a quart of oil around four thousand miles and then add a quart of the mystery oil for the last thousand before I change the oil.
I have been a county maintenance mechanic (retired) I live in a area that can reach 110 f in the summer and 15 f in the winter and we used dello 15/40 in all the police cruisers to road equipment no problems ,high detergent oil works well BUT on the flip side I had an old international 1210 pickup truck it had a top end knock that sounded like some on was beating the motor with a hammer. my Dad had me up the rpm's while he pours tranny fluid down my carb it smoked up the whole neighbor hood but the knock went away and I put over 300,000 on the truck before I sold it.
The knock you heard was carbon buildup on the piston. The ATF loosened the carbon enough to clear it from the piston. No ATF available?... The pour down carb while running can be done with Water.. takes a bit longer and more water but works as well.
I agree with this method I’ve been doing it for years… sold my vehicles, and gotten compliments from the new owners, regarding how clean the inside of the motor was kept.
Transmission fluid, Marvel Mystery Oil, these are ALL good 👍, now I tried to swap over to full syn on 2004 5.3 ltr. At approx 70 ish k mi needed to fush it 2 times with diesel and go back to synthetic blend, but it worked! Quieted the lifter noise, big time!
Added 1qt of ATF for 100miles first time, then changed oil and use STP oil treatment each time since. Haven't had any oil usage, no valvetrain noise & no piston slap since. '03 Silverado (5.3, AFM), bought used cheap as a noisy oil burner, now it's quiet doesn't use oil and just hit 210k miles.
Love my 05' Trailblazer 5.3L. Fortunately I don't have this problem as of yet however I always try and find preventive measures b4 larger issues happen.
Did this today 10-12-24 on my 2005 Tahoe 5.3l added one full quart and ran it around town, lifter stopped ticking and engine still idling perfect. My vehicle has 312,000 miles. I learned this from my grandfather when I was 15 yrs old. Atf works wonders guys 👍
I used ATF in my 09 silverado 5.3/DOD lifters, for about 2,900mi with about 3/4qt of ATF with a shade under 5.5qts of full synthetic HM motor oil. (Just cheap Walmart oil) worked great the oil cleaned a lot of sludge from the engine, I could tell that, due to how dirty the oil was when it was draining from the pan. The engine runs great nice and quiet at 183,000 miles.
I did this on my 2012 4.0 V6 and already have noticed it sounds much better, thank you so much for the tip. just to be clear do I leave the ATF in the oil until the next time I need an oil change in like 3.5k miles ?
Not going to lay blame on anyone but myself, should have done research or just ask questions at the local shop. I put 2 -3 capfulls in the last oil change on my 19 grand cherokee with the v6. After a couple days started noticing oil drops on the driveway. A couple days later the wife called and said the low oil light was on. Anyways, There are O-Rings on the oil cooler and they had basically started turning to goo from the detergent in the ATF. $800 later. New cooler O-Rings installed and got a good warning from the mechanic. Said in the older engines ATF was OK to use as a cleaner, but newer vehicles are extremely finicky. So just be careful.
I've used ATF in the oil on many occasions. On 318 Chrylsers which had a valve tick, ATF cured them every time. On GM 3.1 and 3.4 V-6's one quart of ATF in the engine oil cured every one of them within 200 miles. I was taught back in the 1960's in an auto mechanic class that by adding one quart of ATF to you engine oil would be the best way to clean the inside of your engine. I've even used it in my Harley Davidson motorcycles, but just about a half pint since the Harleys don't hold much oil. I had an old truck driver tell me he was having trouble coming over the mountains in Virginia so he stopped and bought a "12 pack". It was a 12 pack of ATF. He put three quarts in each fuel tank and shortly after his injectors were clean and the truck ran like new. ATF... a GREAT CLEANER!
Yes, you can run it in the fuel tank too I would suggest waiting till the gas light turns on, then add 1/4 of the bottle. Run it in the driveway for 15 minutes, then go fill up with gas.
@@roberthall7206 Yes, in the oil it will clean your lifters, and more. In your fuel, gas or disel it will clean your injectors. Just add a quart to your oil, run it for about 100 miles and then change your oil and filter. In your fuel, depending on how large your fuel tank is, I would put in 1/2 quart in a full tank of gas, but if you have a truck with a large fuel tank one quart might be better.
Thank You for the video . I have a 2005 suburban z71 and about 7 months ago that ticking noise appear on driver side of engine i changed oil right away. Right now it comes on after I drive the truck for 10 15 minutes and I stop to get gas or food it comes and goes away … so I’m about to do oil change soon. I will try this tip. My question is: what kind of ATF should I use ? I’ll be looking for the reply. Thanks : )
1/2quart of kerosene or deisel fuel in the engine crankcase will clean her out quicker, you DO NOT want to drive with this because it decreases oil viscosity too much for driving ,but you CAN idle for 15minutes and drain your oil while it's still hot or warm and then fill with all the recommended oil it requires and then drive and maintain oil changes. This will clean extremely sludged engines, but sometimes requires a 2nd treatment to obtain your oil looking golden and clean like a new engine does. Promise 💯👍🏼
Agree but for best results make sure you after treating and changing oil and filter use a chear but decent oil and filter for the first oil change to get all of the kerosene or diesel out of the system, and drain it and then put in good quality oil with a quality oil filter. A little spendy I know, but still alot cheaper than replacing a engine
I actually add 1 quart of atf about 100 miles BEFORE an oil change. Never kept it in as an additive. I have mostly flat tappet cam stuff, so the detergent in the atf will be a problem. It does wonders as a "flush" of sorts. I have an unknown mileage 350 sbc that gets ran hard and it gets the atf treatment religiously. Aloha 🤙
This is very effective at keeping the various Displacement on Demand (GM) systems working well.. Also…particularly Chrysler products.. with MDS.. but also with any engine with variable valve timing that is dependent on oil pressure.. But be careful with very high revving engines.. the Esther compounds in ATF have a lower film strength .. consider a ratio around half a quart per 4 quarts of total capacity. Was an R&D tech for a Lubricant Co.
Wrong!!! This has nothing to do with lifters in any engine with AFM/DOD/MDS. The main issue with those specific designs is the lifters themselves being spring loaded, not a lubrication issue ultimately. They can and will go bad even if your engine is clean and you meticulously change your oil with good quality oil and at proper intervals.
@@GearsAndTech actually I do have a very good idea and I do know what I am talking about. Thanks for assuming I do not just because you want to be right.
I clicked it because I thought it was funny that you are calling it top secret. Most of us have it in our garages and ready for the next service. I enjoy the content made by you guys up in Canada spinning wrenches. I live in Michigan so we relate to the same rusty hardships you guys deal with as well. Guys that don't live in the snow belts just don't know how good they have it till they have to work on a vehicle from up north. 👍. 😂.
It's funny how people who do it already know But there are so many know it alls that say it's gonna wreck something. Or its a scam Like I'm profiting off telling people not to spend $2000 on a Lifter swap and get a $5 bottle of ATF instead
He ain’t lying, this will work. If you’re worried about your oil being too thin with the atf then go up in weight a little bit. I also hear of a lot of people just running 15-40 Rotella and it does the same thing. Haven’t tried Rotella in a gas motor befor. But some people prefer the atf trick because Rotella is a bit pricey compared to the quart of atf and a just of oil
I just found your channel. New sub. I have this very same problem with one of my lifters on my 96 Silverado with 200,000 miles. It happens when the truck has sat for a week or so. I will try this soon. Thank you for your information.
I have an 08 Avalanche with 75K. I have always used synthetic oil. Ticking started about 10K ago and would occur on cold starts only and dissipate after 1-2 minutes after the oil heats up and thins. It made sense that oil was not pumping up lifters fully due to blockage. I substituted 1 quart of oil with Marvel Mystery Motor Oil (also high detergent). I also added it to the gas as directed. It does a great job at cleaning up all internals. Over the course of about 600 miles the tap was reduced by 90%. I plan on running about 2000 miles total then doing an additional oil change. I will likely add a pint to next few oil changes as reg maintenance. I used to work on small engines as a kid. It was amazing to see how well this stuff would clean up the inside of an engine. If you have ticking that remains after the engine is warm then you probably have a collapsed lifter and neither the tranny fluid or MMMO will likely not work. That will take wrench time.
I had a couple suburban with almost 400,000km that both ticked even after warming up. I got them cheap because they said it needed an engine After 2 oil changes both of them had the tick reduced by 95% and never got wrench work to fix it. They worked great afterwards
I've been doing this for years as well. I will say... I've always done it before the oil change. Maybe a couple of hundred miles before. Usually just add the ATF when I filled my tank with gas, and a week later, when I filled up with gas again, I would do the regular oil change with no ATF. Always seem to work pretty good cleaning the lower half. I will say I haven't done this in years. I learned this trick back in the mid 80's.
I haven't seen anything about not filling the filter first. Whenever possible you should prefill it Sometimes you can't because of how it goes on. But it's easier to get the right oil level that way
@@GearsAndTech i watch some mechanic dude who does repair vids and people comment all the time about him not pre filling the filter and he says lots of service manuals say do not pre fill because of possible contamination...just going by what he says...whatever u prefer to do i guess..
I’ve heard both. If the oil you pour into the filter has small solid foreign contaminate and oil pump picks it up that would be bad. I tend to subscribe to priming the pump, fill the filter and that’s less time the engine is running with out oil pressure. It’s easier to replace it every other oil change.
Great info! I am having a lifter issue. I just got my oil changed, do you think that I can add the Trans fluid now or I would have to wait until my next oil change?
add 1 qt ATF in ALL of your winter / cold weather oil changes for vehicles with push rod motors. if you're concerned with thinning the oil - just go up 1 weight grade. you really don't need to in the cold months. if you do this 2-3 times a year between october and march - you will keep your lifters clean. using the new synthetic oils instead of the old mineral base oils is also very helpful.
Brother, thank you for this video, I have a 2011 Denali Yukon. I just got your advice. Hopefully this could fix it. Thank you once again and have a blessed day. Keep up the good work. Rocky Martin Goshen Indiana USA.
I have used transmission fluid in my engine oil for almost 50 years and know very well how the detergent can clean up an engine. Whenever I bought a used vehicle I changed the oil and filter using I quart to transmission fluid and the rest oil. I would do several quick changes then move to normal service interval and I would only substitute a half quart of transmission fluid from there on out. It always has worked out well for me.
@@sskyworth9439 All my vehicles now use synthetic, but instead of the long intervals between oil changes the book calls for I change every 5000 miles. I have a 2013 Avalanche but it is only a trip vehicle and has just over 50k on it. My Canyon is a daily driver V-6 and it just turned 50k. But with my oil changes at 5000 mile intervals my oil never really gets dirty so have not had to use the transmission fluid. When I did, it was always Dextron. The transmission fluid is a very high detergent oil and you don’t want to be too aggressive with it as it can loosen something and plug a passage. If your oil is really dirty then I would add a half quart of the Dextron and then do several half interval oil changes. Remember oil is cheaper than parts.
@@andrewkast4087 thanks a lot for a comprehensive reply. I normally change engine oil ACDELCO 5W30 at every 2500 miles and there is no issue at all with engine per se, however it’s getting old as I have done 240,000 km on it. I was just hoping to clean any buildup in it over the last 9 years (2013 make GMC Yukon ) I never used ATF in engine oil ever and was a bit apprehensive about it - just wanted to clean the engine preemptively before anything major develops
@@sskyworth9439 you have been servicing your engine VERY well! In your case I highly doubt your oil is dirty at all. At the most I would add a quarter of a quart/liter per oil change but that is only if your oil is dirty when changed. You have done way better with prolonging the life of your engine than most people. I have a Friend in No Carolina who consistently gets over 250,000 to 300,000 miles on his engines in Silverados by doing the shorter intervals on oil changes. Good luck to you!
I run ATF in my engine all the time. But some people add it before a oil change, run it for a few days to a week, then drain and fill with fresh oil only.
I keep oil and oil filters in stock in my garage because I have several vehicles. That way if you get the wrong filter you don't have to reuse your old filter. You didn't show it in your video but you should also try to prime your oil filter so when the engine starts you will have immediate oil pressure. Please don't use Fram filters. They are very low quality. It doesn't cost that much more to upgrade to a better filter. I have been using ATF to clean engines and lifters for more than 30 years. Thanks and take care.
Now this is the first time I got wind of this. I have a 2015 Silverado with the All Aluminum 5.3. I started to use the Range Disabler two years ago at 70k miles to avoid this problem, and so far so good. If this will add an extra level of safety, why not.
@@floydmayes4924 I like mine just fine. I installed mine at 70k miles, two years this month. I have towed my car on trailer, at 70 and in v4 it gets 23mpg. But I wanted to avoid the AFM problems, so I leave it in 100%. Don't miss the 2 mpg drop. I highly recommend it.
Dude thats no secret. All IH SV8 lifters tick at high mileage and this is what we used in those International engines with great success. It does work and it works well.
Read through the comments. You'll be surprised how many people say this doesn't work, and all kinds of crap It's truly a secret. This info is dying. Let's keep it alive
@@GearsAndTech I learned about this in 1984 when i graduated school and took a job as lead mech at the school bus garage. We had mostly high mileage 50 & 60 passenger buses with unkillable hi torque 345 and 392's with two buses having the crappy mv404. Those lifters would occasionally tick and i hated that. My dad said add a little "1/2" pint of transmission fluid before oil changes and after. It worked every time since IH lifters auto compensated. Any dirt particles flushed out and silence resumed. In fact, it was good for engine seals as well. So yes it works and if you have hydraulic lifters its a help.
GM Atlas engines also. If you get a cam timing fault. Pull the actuator and look at the screen. Probably covered with carbon. Mine was. The previous owner had two faults. Bumper sticker driver. Did not like paying for 7 quarts of oil. (6.6L) Bumper sticker driver. Get close enough to read all the bumper stickers on your rear bumper while doing 70 MPH (113KPH). How do figure that out? New facia (front bumper) stone dings in the hood.. Must have got a little too close.
Transmission fluid is a oil with lots of detergent. This would not be a bad thing to do on occasion for one oil change cycle. Marvel mystery oil will also clean sludge buildup out of your engine.
ABOUT TO TRY THIS, AND WILL REPORT BACK! THANKS!!!! Very hopeful lit fixes the lifter tick on 01 Tahoe 5.3 218,xxx and tick quits after 3 or 4 miles, so basically only a cold start tick, but never had it before a year ago, so maybe mi es not too bad off? (This is the wife’s garage kept/ barely driven, except to pull a boat 1 mile to ramp, or once a month grocery shop- and I know NOT being used daily is just as bad or worse than daily driving! I had a 2000 GMC Sierra that I put 473,xxx miles on committing a 250+ mile round trip every weekday for 7 years, and right up to the end it never ticked!)
I like this suggestion and will try it as a prophylactic on my smaller engine vehicles, but only 2-3 ounces. I was all set to suggest adding some a week before the oil change, too, then you already addressed that. As I watched, I was getting ready to make a comment about using a funnel, but you beat me to that, too. 😊 They make Detergent motor oils but that may be acid neutralizers, not true detergent. Any opinion on Motor Medic Valve Medic Oil Detergent. Or MMO?
I knew it was going to be that or Marvel Mystery Oil.I usually add a qt of MMO a month before oil change,you can use it in power steering and transmission to. You extent expensive oil life by using 2 oil filters to oil change.dirty lifeless oil is what does your engine in.good lookin out
One of the main reasons that the V.V. lifters stick \ fail is the VLOM .The bolts( that hold this on the top of the engine block below the intake) they just become loose and this causes the lack of oil pressure around the lower half of the lifter . 1 out of the last 10 or so heads I had to remove to change those lifters the bolts in the VLOM were tight all the other jobs these have been loose .Mainly the front half I could turn them with my fingures.. Try it the next time you have too . As far as adding trans fluid to your engine it can help simply because of the detergent in the fluid .
In trying to change the oil pressure sensor I discovered my VLOM bolts were loose. But as I started cleaning the intake ports, I noticed there was a hairline crack. Is this normal for these engines? Should I take care of it now? I'm learning to do all of this stuff myself so it's intimidating.
I learned that trans fluid is a good cleaner for lifters back in the early 1970's, I've added a quart to any engine when I thought they needed a clean up. It also helps condition seals.
@@gaylandbarney2231 I have read that MMO is a proprietary formula, not just a transmission fluid. It smells and feels very unique...some combination of solvents I suppose. I have relied on it many times too. And I have used Liquid Wrench in the older pushrod motors when lifters got to sticking...works wonders.
I run 5-30 most the time. Keep in mind, this is a used truck that had 240,000 km from someone else. I can't confirm the life it had prior to me. I just know it was developing a tick and I wanted to take care of it before permanent damage was done. This trick is great for that scenario
One thing about pounding a screwdriver through your oil filter. I tried that one time. Instead of the filter turning the screwdriver basically ripped the filter in half. Which became a real mess.
Luckily I have only had to do that once. But I'll mangle the filter trying everything else first. Excellent point about it being torn up by the flat blad in some occasions
I had that happen too. But I was then able to take that same flat screwdriver and place it in one of the holes at the bottom side of the top of the filter and tap it around till it loosened.
ATF can alter the viscosity of the oil, reducing wear protection. Transmission fluid does not lubricate as well as engine oil. There are products that are designed to be added to engine oil that will do the same thing in a much safer way.
@port nut yes it is not the same as oil, but it is in fact a light viscosity lubricant. Automatic trans have bushings , bearings, plain & Torrington thrust washers & gears that need lubrication too and need the friction modifiers in the different ATFs to control the apply of the clutch paks. I am a mechanic specialising in transmissions and have heard this as well. I suppose it's ok and have done it occasionally on older tired engines. Adding it to the fuel for both gas & diesel engines somewhat helps to clean fuel systems & injectors but is more of a top lube that way. I would probably be careful adding too much at a time or doing it every oil change. I use and recommend a premium 100% synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series, it's has a very high & robust TBN ( total base number) additive package & works great.
If you use Amsoil from day 1 on a vehicle you won’t have the ticking to start with. It keeps your engine clean. If you have used traditional oil, this transmission fluid trick is great!
One day I'll own a car from new so I can claim responsibility for its maintenance history Till then I'm stuck driving other people's problems and finding inexpensive ways to fix them
😆🤣 transmission fluid actually only has very small amounts of detergents in it because it doesn’t NEED to clean anything inside a sealed transmissions. There are no contaminants getting in nor produced during regular operation. You obviously don’t know jack squat about oil chemistry. 🤦🏻♂️ This is an idiotic attempt at fixing an engine defect. There are proper engine oil cleaning additives available that truly help clean shit up and some any “tick” it may be suffering from due to poor maintenance. 🤦🏻♂️
Yes. On a newer engine that presumably doesn't have issues currently u would run with less ATF. In that case half a bottle is plenty Also, your lifters are newer style. They have bigger holes, so less likely to plug up
I had a 425 caterpillar engine in my freightliner truck. I always put a liter of trans fluid in, on the way home, about 300 - 500 km or so. Then dropped the oil outta her (really hot! ) As soon as I got home, that’s a really expensive engine to mess around with. Never had any problems. Sent oil out for analysis and always came back with good numbers. RLM
Hey there! Wow never knew this could be done. Makes sense though as ATF is just base oil with additives / detergents etc, and some red dye lol. I am going to try this in my 2016 GMC Sierra to help clean things up if needed. These lifters are something I worry about too much! Shouldn't be that way but history seems to prove they are problematic. My truck has about 180,000kms and runs pretty smooth, although I have noticed some vibration more so in the last few months. Has me sweating, so anything I can do to help my engine out sounds good to me. I'll take the large amount of people in the comments that are confirming this "secret" and I am going to start with maybe a 1/4 liter, maybe 1/2 liter lol if you talk me into it lol. What about Subaru. Same thing? No worries? Thanks for sharing. Cheers I'm in Ontario, love finding channels close to home with good tips and tricks.
Thinking of trying this on my truck this weekend, which is a neglected retired work truck, I’m in between oil changes, do you recommend just adding a little for now?
My dad has been doing this forever. I'm 51 and I'm sure he was doing this way before I was born. Good video.
Had a loud lifter noise coming from drivers side of my f-150 about 125,000 on used replacement motor with approximately 100,000 miles. Had 535,000 on original motor. I did what you suggested drove about a half mile completely quite now. So happy. Trucks got 658,000 miles on body. I’ve owned it for 25 years 😊 thanks
Thanks for sharing
Man you saved me hundreds, Thanks its took two oil changes and 6500 miles and it went away.
I worked at GM in Oshawa for 30 years and knew a couple of guys that started doing that back in the 60’s and they had kept their old cars as they bought new ones and ended up with a few old great running cars.
Guy Canada 🇨🇦
I learned this trick from my Grandfather back in 1980 when I was 10 yrs old and have done this to every vehicle i have owned. i did this for a friend who bought a 2006 5.3 that developed the tick at 100,000 he know has 298,000 on the clock and it is smooth and quiet. Excellent video and advice for those who do not know. Glad to see there are people like you passing the inexpensive fix it tricks along.
Appreciate you stopping by and your comment.
A lot of people think this trick is nuts, which is why I wanted to show me actually putting it in. This isn't some camera trick, it's real automotive tricks that help keep your car running great.
That reminds me, I'm due for another oil change!
I have a 89 cadillac brougham with a little over 100,000 miles would you guys recommend it for me
I have seen no bad side effects from using this on any vehicles I have had. So it couldn't hurt
I have a 2011 honda odyssey that has that tick I knew it was lifter but don't want to open her up ,I'm definitely gonna give this a whirl
Let us know if it helps.
The Odyssey is an overhead cam, so usually when they start Ticking the valves need to be adjusted
It can't hurt, but probbaly won't solve your particular problem
I worked at a full service gas station 54 years ago and had a guy come in driving a Volvo. He claimed to be an engineer and told me he used straight transmission fluid in the motor primarily because he claimed it had more detergents and worked betted than oil. Reluctantly I topped up the engine with a quart of transmission fluid and off he went. Over the years I have had motors run over 500,000 miles by changing the oil and filters regularly. I also use an additive every time I change the oil as well. Either Bardahl or more recently Lucas. Never tried transmission fluid in my engines, but this show reminded me of that day many years ago.
I tried Doing This on our '05 Avalanche with the 5.3 that developed a periodic lifter tick after 200,000 miles, Which was getting to be constant! Before Changing the Oil, I added 1qt of ATF and 6oz of Seafoam and ran it for 200 miles, then added the same after Changing the Oil, but then replaced one Qt of 5w30 with the ATF, and I have Not Noticed it ticking Since!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GREAT TIP!!!
What’s atf?
@@joeidgtlopez6801automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid
@@joeidgtlopez6801automatic transmission fluid
@joeidgtlopez6801 watch the video
Rislone oil treatment also works wonders. It costs about the same as a quart of ATF. I worked in auto repair in the 70s and 80s and made dozens upon dozens of customers happy with this stuff.
How long does it take to quiet a noisy lifter?
@@LarryDresser Usually 200-400 miles. If it doesn't get quiet after that, try changing oil and adding another Riselone treatment.
Can confirm on my Silverado 1500. Use it every oil change and it’s been keeping the lifter tick nearly completely gone.
Worked on my 350 chevy over 30 years ago, Rislone additive!
Canadian mechanics are top of the line. I've learned quit a few little tricks that have saved me tons of money and headaches. Seems they still operate with the same tricks of the trade that my grandparents and great grandparents used. Great content!
Right on. Glad you found it useful
@@GearsAndTech for sure! It's hard to find content from truly knowledgeable and skilled craftsmen. Sadly, the American way is to throw away and buy new so as to keep up with the societal standards, instead of to refurbish, maintain and rely on self. Love to actually talk with and learn from you!
@@GearsAndTechdoes this trick work for new lifters?
I soaked them 3 days in oil, and also replaced the rockers i do see oil coming up to the top of each rocker. 2000 silverado 4.3 225k miles
@@A_H_M.84 The American government, EPA, Manufacturers and Dealerships way. Not my working man American way!😂😂😂 I fix and maintain all the vehicles and equipment on my street. It's a bit rough fitting it all in when I work 50hr weeks at work. Then come home and take care of my neighbors vehicles, mowers, chainsaws or whatever they have. I'm just thankful for my father teaching me how to fix anything and buying me tools when I was young. Create the community you dream of. 👍
I appreciate this video. I have 2015 4.3 GM. 118K miles. I am using SeaFoam with the same logic. Keeping oil passages clean , no sludge, along with 50% GM oil service ( 50 engine hours 5K mile) oil change. This video information is based on the same principles as using Marvel Mystery Oil, Seafoam, and in this case Trans fluid. Must keep clean, sludge free, and high detergent oil. Prevention is best fix.
Hi. I have Jeep 5.7 hemi. After using 1 liter of ATF for 5 liters of oil 5w20 lifters stopped giving a ticking sound. Sound ticks disappeared after 150 miles. You are the best. Thank you and I wish all the best for you. Chris from GB.
Glad to hear it helped
Anyone with a Dodge hemi or 3.5 liter needs to do this religiously. They all tick. This will get it gone
I have a 5.7 Hemi, with THE TICK ,so I hope this helps. Thanks for the vid man.
@@curtissheppard1996 - Update? Did it work for you? Cheers...
2.5 years ago I bought a Jeep GC Overland with 54,000 miles. On the second oil change I noticed a small "tick." So I just changed my oil again for the third time, and I used about a liter of ATF. I ran it for about 2 minutes to get through the engine, and will see how it works. Praying this solves the issue. They don't make Jeeps like they use too at all; and I still have to make payments, because its out of warranty now 6/75,000. Thanks for the comment that helps.
I'm going to try it with my 01 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo v8
Marvel mystery oil works too...but I've used the old transmission fluid trick too dad showed me that years ago. Great tip...
It’s nothing but kerosene
@@lawrencefranck9417 Oh so not true you better do you're research before you give out false information.
@@barefootbob1269 you are correct they added red dye. White distilled spirits with red dye.
In late 80s I turned a few wrenches, found Pennzoil and fram filters both horrible, oil creates sludge, fram a cheapest and bad material inside it like paper check your research.
Thanks for commenting. As stated before, I am not endorsing any specific brands in this video. Hopefully nobody is running out to buy penzoil and fram filters because that's what I used.
The BEST mechanic I’ve ever known told me about this almost 50 years ago now works like a charm !!!!!!!
It's becoming a forgotten secret
do you add ATF every oil change?@@GearsAndTech
WHAT ABOUT Plugging 5:47 THE OIL PICK UP SCREEN and pick up tube.....
I've been putting a quart of transmission fluid in my oil for years. One time I had a Chevy pick up that had 5 lbs. of oil pressure at idle, sometimes even less when it was warm. After running transmission fluid for 2 oil changes, oil pressure came up to 20 lbs. at idle. And it was great running down the road. Wont hurt anything, I've been doing this since the 70's.
Same here...
Did u ever have metal shavings in your oil?
Crazy, my truck won’t start unless there’s at least 500psi in the high pressure system.
5 lbs of oil pressure that only came up to 20 lbs??? Engine is garbage. Never seen an engine live with less than 40 psi. But hey whatever
@@jayer-su3hu
Less than 40? You haven't seen much then!
Used to use T fluid right in the carb throat at high idle to clean everything out on older cars. It is basically a detergent. Mix 50/50 acetone and T fluid to take the place of penetrating oil too. Works well.
I use acetone and transmission fluid for penetrating fluid as well.
This is my go to. Better than anything in a spray can....
That is the trick to loosen up a sticking valve. Makes a lot of smoke and I wouldn't think ti would be good for a modern car with a cat.
@@victorthecarguy3126 I've had really good luck with MMO for loosening up sticky lifters. I just do an oil change and substitute one qt of oil for 1 qt of MMO. Seems to work pretty good.
Brake fluid great for that too
It also works on cleaning out the engine with a lot of sludge build up , had a slant 6 full of sludge put in 2 quarts 500 miles before oil change and it cleaned it out, works great, been doing that since the 70's👍👍
I had a BADLY sludged (neglected) 2006 GM 3.6 ltr. It was burning 1.5-2 quarts every 600 miles, and blowing blue / grey smoke on acceleration after idle. FIXED IT (4 part process):
Replaced PCV valve (totally clogged).
3x cans berrymans b-12 chemtool into 1/4 tank of fuel. 1 can berrymans into the engine (oil). Gave it a thrashing.
Drained oil (bad). Added 5 quarts oil, 2 quarts kerosene and let it idle 20 mins. Drained (BAD), and repeated but for 40 mins with a couple of bursts 5x mins at 3,000 rpm. Drained oil, "not as bad". Refilled with oil (filters were changed each step), it runs FINE now. No exhaust smoke. None at all !!! Engine is more responsive, slightly better fuel efficiency. Still uses a little bit of oil (known timing cover leak), but it's maybe 1/2 quart every 600 ish miles, less than a third of what it used to burn. I'M HAPPY !!!
Man, i was with ya til i saw that fram extra guard filter. I use atf in my oil also, my 07 tahoe 5.3 is at 293k miles and running beautifully.
How many quarts of atf i have same engine
I am impressed he knows this, it is an old-school mechanic trick, I have known and been doing this for 30+ years. He is very correct in what he is saying, but keep in mind it is not a fix-all, but in my 36 years as a Mechanic, it is approximately 80% effective and for the cost of 1 quart of ATF it is well worth the try, avg to replace the lifters is around $1600 pending on shop and UP, the best way to do this is just to substitute 1QT of oil for 1QT of ATF so if it is a 5QT oil change you would do 4QT of oil 1QT of ATF or 6QT oil change it would be 5QT of oil and 1QT of ATF anything larger the ratio will change. Job well done Sir, from your neighbors way down south.
Thanks for the compliments.
I learned it from an old industrial mechanic when I worked at a steel mill. He walked around with a bottle of ATF everywhere. It fixed a lot of problems!
@@GearsAndTech what type of atf ?
Whatever you can get your hands on
@@GearsAndTech it should be synthetic tho if your running synthetic oil.
Thank u for this comment I was lookin for this statement !!! my 2013 Cadillac XTS just started doing this, it’s got 123,000 and change. When it’s a cold start it’s loud with the ticking, but seems to quick down as she warms up and slowly idles.
This is for real.. it may not totally take away lifter noise but it helps a lot. I have a GMC Savana with the 6.0 I have been doing this every other oil change since 110k it has 270k on it now. I do it on my 5.3 Silverado too.
You haven't messed up your cam yet l, knowing your lifters are messed up???
I had a stuck lifter that was so noisy that I thought for sure something was going to bust out the side of the engine! I did your method and it freed itself within 2 days. My Tahoe has never run so quiet! THANKS!
Glad to hear it.
Omg! Hell yeah! I think I have a lifter stuck on my 2017 GMC Sierra. This truck has a 6.2l rebuilt motor with all sorts of racing mods to the motor. Few days ago I checked the oil because it started a loud ticking noise on the driver's side, and to my surprise the oil level was really low. That's how I found out I have a leak around the valve cover 😆. Anyways I added the oil needed and thought that would stop the loud ticking. I drove about 50 miles and the problem got worse... The ticking is louder almost a knocking sound. Man I hope this method works 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@work4doughhow’d it work out for you, I’m in a similar situation 😬
@@1Brain4Wheels I found out the roller from the first lifter on the driver's side broke off, currently pulling the motor out😭
@@work4dough 😭 I feel your pain, started with replacing the lifter, then cam, after no one could figure out what else was wrong I ended up just getting a rebuild engine… total shit show with these V4/8 engines
Back in the 60's we had a 61 Belair with the 283. We had pulled one of the valve covers and the motor was pretty gunned up. We changed the oil and ran Mobil Delvac. We pulled the valve covers after that and the difference was amazing.
I have a 97 Silverado 350,000 miles, religiously do oil change at 3500 miles. Truck runs great,
I have noticed that ticking upon start up. I am going to add atf to the oil. Thanks for the tip!
I too, have been adding Seafoam for the last several years.
Want 500,000 miles out of this truck. I love my dependable truck
Let us know how it goes
@@GearsAndTech will do!
@@arizonasnowmama5426hows she running
Wow never knew about that, going to start doing it on all my cars for now on, great video, thanks for the info!
Thanks for reminding me of this. We did it all the time on the farm when I was a kid. Cheers.
No problem.
It's funny how much we forget, and then learn all over again
This is one of those tricks that are dying, but super effective. Would hate for it to get lost and not passed down.
The oil h has set detergent in it dumbass
What does that even mean?
The h?
Lol
This totally works. I have four late 90's GM OBS trucks with vortec engines. Lifters can tick on high mileage engines. I do it about two times a year. No ticking.
Yes. Works great
As a long haul trucker, I have always added ATF into the oil changes and some into the fuel. Keeps the injectors clean!!!!
Great point! It does well in the fuel system
Awesome tips I’ve done for 2 of my oil change cycle already on my 02 GMC Yukon. Sounds like it get better every time after my oil change.
I just bought a 06 Yukon that ticks on start up. I'm going out right now and add some atf.
@@jasmith1867 has it improved for you?
@@crazu1980 Yes. It seems like the lifters only click for a few seconds now. Instead of a minute or so. I have a high mileage engine. It also had a 5 quart a month real main leak. I added some Blue Devil and the leak stopped completely. It did resume leaking after a couple months. But mostly just a few drops overnight.
@@jasmith1867 thanks for the update.
THANK YOU!! I use the cheap ATF transmission fluid that you suggested, check my oil and filter. My last oil change I put a quart of Lucas’s oil stabilizer and put 5 quarts of oil and that made my truck tick. When I saw your video I was a little scared at first but after I did the oil change my truck doesn’t tick anymore! I now will recommend to everyone to do this!!
Glad to hear it helped
@@GearsAndTech man just today it now just ticking just like I did before with the transmission atf fluid with the oil. You think it can cause someone with the oil pump gasket?
Keep an eye on your oil pressure when it's warm and idling. Then see what happens when you rev the throttle a little higher.
Lots of things can contribute to low oil pressure. But it's possible your oil pump is failing or a number of other things that cause oil pressure related issues
😆🤣 transmission fluid actually only has very small amounts of detergents in it because it doesn’t NEED to clean anything inside a sealed transmissions. There are no contaminants getting in nor produced during regular operation. You obviously don’t know jack squat about oil chemistry. 🤦🏻♂️
@870:
*"Try Marvel Mystery Oil.(in fuel & oil)...
You will be amazed"*
Used transmission fluid for years works great.
####My stuck lifter is working again because of your video. #######
I watched your video and I used one quart and drove it for about 2 months. Before I put it in I had two codes showing. One was the sending unit and the other was from a stuck lifter in cylinder 4.
I was using a range device to bypass the AFM system. Now both codes are gone truck has regained compression and getting ready to clean out oil and another quart of atf with the new oil. Thanks
Every 6.0 AFM cadillac I work on, I spray a can of brake clean into the oil fill port before putting the new oil in. Helps keep the motor clean and running smooth 👍
This works !!! I have a honda element with 298k miles after 6000 miles of oil changes .the ticking is gone ..thank yoi
Glad to hear it
It worked on my 2008 suburban LTZ I tried the foam engine cleaner and then Lucas oil treatment I still had the lifter noise then I drain the oil and started using the transmission fluid and it worked. I have added it to all of my oil changes with no issues. If you are afraid keep the tick or go to the repair shop and get new lifters installed!!!
I have no noise do recommend for lifters still
Jose .. no .. No way Jose lol
No noise, no problems.
My 2004 S10 Blazer has 418000 on it,n it started ticking last week. I change my oil every 3000/3500 , since 2016. Yes I'm going to give it a try... Thanks Dude.
Good stuff
An old trick I used to do it at my Shop in Toronto. Always listened to the engine coming and always had happy returning customers. If the engine calls for 4-5 or 6 ltrs of oil just substitute one with Dextron Trans fluid for GM.. IN GM vehicles Only I have never done it to any other make. It improves the detergents and helps remove that gunk build up and get them flow ports flowing better getting oil everywhere it's supposed to be. Your engine nolonger starves for OIL. and all that TAR gets cleaned out.
Exactly
In the 60's we used to use marvil mystery oil for this purpose. If you can fill your oil filter once before you install it, that's great for first start!
Change your oil regularly, 5k at most & rotate tires. Happy driving!
I still use the mystery oil. I go through a quart of oil around four thousand miles and then add a quart of the mystery oil for the last thousand before I change the oil.
@@wasntme3651 Marvel isn't Marvel anymore. They were bought out. If you want what Marvel used to be get sea foam.
I have been a county maintenance mechanic (retired) I live in a area that can reach 110 f in the summer and 15 f in the winter and we used dello 15/40 in all the police cruisers to road equipment no problems ,high detergent oil works well BUT on the flip side I had an old international 1210 pickup truck it had a top end knock that sounded like some on was beating the motor with a hammer. my Dad had me up the rpm's while he pours tranny fluid down my carb it smoked up the whole neighbor hood but the knock went away and I put over 300,000 on the truck before I sold it.
The knock you heard was carbon buildup on the piston. The ATF loosened the carbon enough to clear it from the piston. No ATF available?... The pour down carb while running can be done with Water.. takes a bit longer and more water but works as well.
I agree with this method I’ve been doing it for years… sold my vehicles, and gotten compliments from the new owners, regarding how clean the inside of the motor was kept.
Works great
Transmission fluid, Marvel Mystery Oil, these are ALL good 👍, now I tried to swap over to full syn on 2004 5.3 ltr. At approx 70 ish k mi needed to fush it 2 times with diesel and go back to synthetic blend, but it worked! Quieted the lifter noise, big time!
Do u add oil to the diesel and how long u run it
Added 1qt of ATF for 100miles first time, then changed oil and use STP oil treatment each time since.
Haven't had any oil usage, no valvetrain noise & no piston slap since.
'03 Silverado (5.3, AFM), bought used cheap as a noisy oil burner, now it's quiet doesn't use oil and just hit 210k miles.
Love my 05' Trailblazer 5.3L. Fortunately I don't have this problem as of yet however I always try and find preventive measures b4 larger issues happen.
Awesome! I'll try the ATF fluid w/oil change
Great. I been used the trany oil for several years and my motors works perfected
Great tip. I remember my dad doing this years ago. Thank you for the information.
Glad it was helpful!
I use" used" trans fluid for penetrating oil.
Works great !👍👍
Did this today 10-12-24 on my 2005 Tahoe 5.3l added one full quart and ran it around town, lifter stopped ticking and engine still idling perfect. My vehicle has 312,000 miles. I learned this from my grandfather when I was 15 yrs old. Atf works wonders guys 👍
Thanks for confirmation
I used ATF in my 09 silverado 5.3/DOD lifters, for about 2,900mi with about 3/4qt of ATF with a shade under 5.5qts of full synthetic HM motor oil. (Just cheap Walmart oil) worked great the oil cleaned a lot of sludge from the engine, I could tell that, due to how dirty the oil was when it was draining from the pan. The engine runs great nice and quiet at 183,000 miles.
I have a 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 5.3 it's the same right I can throw a Lil in my oil it won't hurt ?
I would say yes. Note.. im not who u were asking but sounds like a good idea from reading his comment
I did this on my 2012 4.0 V6 and already have noticed it sounds much better, thank you so much for the tip.
just to be clear do I leave the ATF in the oil until the next time I need an oil change in like 3.5k miles ?
Not going to lay blame on anyone but myself, should have done research or just ask questions at the local shop. I put 2 -3 capfulls in the last oil change on my 19 grand cherokee with the v6. After a couple days started noticing oil drops on the driveway. A couple days later the wife called and said the low oil light was on. Anyways, There are O-Rings on the oil cooler and they had basically started turning to goo from the detergent in the ATF. $800 later. New cooler O-Rings installed and got a good warning from the mechanic. Said in the older engines ATF was OK to use as a cleaner, but newer vehicles are extremely finicky. So just be careful.
Been adding one Quart of Reg ATF to my 8 Quart 5,000 mile oil change 40,000 miles ago and my GMC sierra 5.3 at 105,000 is very quite and smooth ... :)
Glad to hear
I've used ATF in the oil on many occasions. On 318 Chrylsers which had a valve tick, ATF cured them every time. On GM 3.1 and 3.4 V-6's one quart of ATF in the engine oil cured every one of them within 200 miles.
I was taught back in the 1960's in an auto mechanic class that by adding one quart of ATF to you engine oil would be the best way to clean the inside of your engine. I've even used it in my Harley Davidson motorcycles, but just about a half pint since the Harleys don't hold much oil.
I had an old truck driver tell me he was having trouble coming over the mountains in Virginia so he stopped and bought a "12 pack". It was a 12 pack of ATF. He put three quarts in each fuel tank and shortly after his injectors were clean and the truck ran like new. ATF... a GREAT CLEANER!
In the fuel tank? So it’s good to put in the oil and fuel? Abs just to make sure, this is ok to do on both gas and Diesel engines?
TIA
Yes, you can run it in the fuel tank too
I would suggest waiting till the gas light turns on, then add 1/4 of the bottle. Run it in the driveway for 15 minutes, then go fill up with gas.
@@roberthall7206 Yes, in the oil it will clean your lifters, and more. In your fuel, gas or disel it will clean your injectors. Just add a quart to your oil, run it for about 100 miles and then change your oil and filter. In your fuel, depending on how large your fuel tank is, I would put in 1/2 quart in a full tank of gas, but if you have a truck with a large fuel tank one quart might be better.
@@genegoodwin8925 hello,
What about the catalic converter?
Thanks for getting back.
Tigo
@@roberthall7206 Yes, in the oil to clear up lifter noise, and in the fuel tank to clean your injestors.
Thank You for the video . I have a 2005 suburban z71 and about 7 months ago that ticking noise appear on driver side of engine i changed oil right away. Right now it comes on after I drive the truck for 10 15 minutes and I stop to get gas or food it comes and goes away … so I’m about to do oil change soon. I will try this tip. My question is: what kind of ATF should I use ? I’ll be looking for the reply. Thanks : )
I have the same year and model Z71 mine started doing this randomly and now it more often. Did the trick with ATF fix yours?
1/2quart of kerosene or deisel fuel in the engine crankcase will clean her out quicker, you DO NOT want to drive with this because it decreases oil viscosity too much for driving ,but you CAN idle for 15minutes and drain your oil while it's still hot or warm and then fill with all the recommended oil it requires and then drive and maintain oil changes. This will clean extremely sludged engines, but sometimes requires a 2nd treatment to obtain your oil looking golden and clean like a new engine does. Promise 💯👍🏼
Thanks for mentioning the viscosity issue. People will scar their engines beyond repair if they drive with atf in the engine.
@@tonyadkison6444 He is talking about something else not atf.
So pretty much a engine flush before oil change?
Agree but for best results make sure you after treating and changing oil and filter use a chear but decent oil and filter for the first oil change to get all of the kerosene or diesel out of the system, and drain it and then put in good quality oil with a quality oil filter. A little spendy I know, but still alot cheaper than replacing a engine
Diesel is the ticket... Bout 32oz or a Gatorade bottle you find under a pile of other shit in the bed.
I actually add 1 quart of atf about 100 miles BEFORE an oil change. Never kept it in as an additive. I have mostly flat tappet cam stuff, so the detergent in the atf will be a problem. It does wonders as a "flush" of sorts. I have an unknown mileage 350 sbc that gets ran hard and it gets the atf treatment religiously.
Aloha 🤙
This is very effective at keeping the various Displacement on Demand (GM) systems working well.. Also…particularly Chrysler products.. with MDS.. but also with any engine with variable valve timing that is dependent on oil pressure.. But be careful with very high revving engines.. the Esther compounds in ATF have a lower film strength .. consider a ratio around half a quart per 4 quarts of total capacity. Was an R&D tech for a Lubricant Co.
Do you run a full quart of atf for the whole oil change life, or just 500 miles? Think this is safe on a 2015 5.3?
I run it the entire time
Wrong!!! This has nothing to do with lifters in any engine with AFM/DOD/MDS. The main issue with those specific designs is the lifters themselves being spring loaded, not a lubrication issue ultimately. They can and will go bad even if your engine is clean and you meticulously change your oil with good quality oil and at proper intervals.
Sorry buddy, this has worked to fix problems on those vehicles. You have no idea
@@GearsAndTech actually I do have a very good idea and I do know what I am talking about. Thanks for assuming I do not just because you want to be right.
I clicked it because I thought it was funny that you are calling it top secret. Most of us have it in our garages and ready for the next service. I enjoy the content made by you guys up in Canada spinning wrenches. I live in Michigan so we relate to the same rusty hardships you guys deal with as well. Guys that don't live in the snow belts just don't know how good they have it till they have to work on a vehicle from up north. 👍. 😂.
I'm worried it's gonna be a lost knowledge soon. Gotta keep the good stuff going
I've been saying this and doing this for years. Never had a problem with my lifters ever.
It's funny how people who do it already know
But there are so many know it alls that say it's gonna wreck something. Or its a scam
Like I'm profiting off telling people not to spend $2000 on a Lifter swap and get a $5 bottle of ATF instead
He ain’t lying, this will work. If you’re worried about your oil being too thin with the atf then go up in weight a little bit. I also hear of a lot of people just running 15-40 Rotella and it does the same thing. Haven’t tried Rotella in a gas motor befor. But some people prefer the atf trick because Rotella is a bit pricey compared to the quart of atf and a just of oil
exactly
You learn something every day! Thank you!
I just found your channel. New sub. I have this very same problem with one of my lifters on my 96 Silverado with 200,000 miles. It happens when the truck has sat for a week or so. I will try this soon. Thank you for your information.
Thanks for the sub! Hope it helps
I have an 08 Avalanche with 75K. I have always used synthetic oil. Ticking started about 10K ago and would occur on cold starts only and dissipate after 1-2 minutes after the oil heats up and thins. It made sense that oil was not pumping up lifters fully due to blockage. I substituted 1 quart of oil with Marvel Mystery Motor Oil (also high detergent). I also added it to the gas as directed. It does a great job at cleaning up all internals. Over the course of about 600 miles the tap was reduced by 90%. I plan on running about 2000 miles total then doing an additional oil change. I will likely add a pint to next few oil changes as reg maintenance. I used to work on small engines as a kid. It was amazing to see how well this stuff would clean up the inside of an engine. If you have ticking that remains after the engine is warm then you probably have a collapsed lifter and neither the tranny fluid or MMMO will likely not work. That will take wrench time.
I had a couple suburban with almost 400,000km that both ticked even after warming up. I got them cheap because they said it needed an engine
After 2 oil changes both of them had the tick reduced by 95% and never got wrench work to fix it. They worked great afterwards
Oils like 10w 30 actually get thicker when warm.
@@vwtroywhat about 10w-40? I'm running 30 rn but got 1 lifter ticking
Exhaust leak manifold
Heard of guys flushing engines with atf but didn't know you could do this, thanks
Have added sea- foam to fuel and oil for years...works good in lawn tractors as well!!
I've been doing this for years as well.
I will say... I've always done it before the oil change.
Maybe a couple of hundred miles before.
Usually just add the ATF when I filled my tank with gas, and a week later, when I filled up with gas again, I would do the regular oil change with no ATF. Always seem to work pretty good cleaning the lower half.
I will say I haven't done this in years. I learned this trick back in the mid 80's.
Right on
I’ve used Marvel Mystery Oil. A quart of marvel top it off with 5w30 synthetic. I usually fill the filter with 5w30 before I spin it on too.
actually ur not suppose to pre fill the filter... just saying...
I haven't seen anything about not filling the filter first. Whenever possible you should prefill it
Sometimes you can't because of how it goes on. But it's easier to get the right oil level that way
@@GearsAndTech i watch some mechanic dude who does repair vids and people comment all the time about him not pre filling the filter and he says lots of service manuals say do not pre fill because of possible contamination...just going by what he says...whatever u prefer to do i guess..
im going to try this tranny oil trick on one of our high miler trucks, its got a bad ticking noise ..see if it works..worth a try.
I’ve heard both. If the oil you pour into the filter has small solid foreign contaminate and oil pump picks it up that would be bad. I tend to subscribe to priming the pump, fill the filter and that’s less time the engine is running with out oil pressure. It’s easier to replace it every other oil change.
Great info! I am having a lifter issue. I just got my oil changed, do you think that I can add the Trans fluid now or I would have to wait until my next oil change?
U can add some now. Just look at half a quart though
Thanks
add 1 qt ATF in ALL of your winter / cold weather oil changes for vehicles with push rod motors.
if you're concerned with thinning the oil - just go up 1 weight grade. you really don't need to in the cold months.
if you do this 2-3 times a year between october and march - you will keep your lifters clean.
using the new synthetic oils instead of the old mineral base oils is also very helpful.
I have heard this before and was just reminded to do the same. I’ll be doing it on my next change. Thanks
Dino -AB.
Hope it helps
0:04 Thanks for the reminder. My blinker fluid is a little low, and I like to keep it full during the winter months.
Yes. You for sure want to keep that topped up
Dang, first time I hear about this. I'm going to try it on my 03 Yukon. Thanks!
Should work great
Great tip. I know it works cause I did it on many dodge caravans
Hey buddy , are you there 👀
Marvle miracle oil also works very good for that. Excellent information thanks.
I've been adding a quart of atf the day before I change my oil as a flush for over 20yrs.
Brother, thank you for this video, I have a 2011 Denali Yukon.
I just got your advice. Hopefully this could fix it. Thank you once again and have a blessed day. Keep up the good work. Rocky Martin Goshen Indiana USA.
You're welcome!
Dear
Did you solve your issue with this method ??
I have also GMC Denal 2011 with lifter clicking
I need to know the result
Thanks
I have used transmission fluid in my engine oil for almost 50 years and know very well how the detergent can clean up an engine. Whenever I bought a used vehicle I changed the oil and filter using I quart to transmission fluid and the rest oil. I would do several quick changes then move to normal service interval and I would only substitute a half quart of transmission fluid from there on out. It always has worked out well for me.
Can dextrin 6 ATF be used ? What specs of transmission fluid you recommend for GM trucks
@@sskyworth9439 All my vehicles now use synthetic, but instead of the long intervals between oil changes the book calls for I change every 5000 miles. I have a 2013 Avalanche but it is only a trip vehicle and has just over 50k on it. My Canyon is a daily driver V-6 and it just turned 50k. But with my oil changes at 5000 mile intervals my oil never really gets dirty so have not had to use the transmission fluid. When I did, it was always Dextron. The transmission fluid is a very high detergent oil and you don’t want to be too aggressive with it as it can loosen something and plug a passage. If your oil is really dirty then I would add a half quart of the Dextron and then do several half interval oil changes. Remember oil is cheaper than parts.
@@andrewkast4087 thanks a lot for a comprehensive reply. I normally change engine oil ACDELCO 5W30 at every 2500 miles and there is no issue at all with engine per se, however it’s getting old as I have done 240,000 km on it. I was just hoping to clean any buildup in it over the last 9 years (2013 make GMC Yukon ) I never used ATF in engine oil ever and was a bit apprehensive about it - just wanted to clean the engine preemptively before anything major develops
@@sskyworth9439 you have been servicing your engine VERY well! In your case I highly doubt your oil is dirty at all. At the most I would add a quarter of a quart/liter per oil change but that is only if your oil is dirty when changed. You have done way better with prolonging the life of your engine than most people. I have a Friend in No Carolina who consistently gets over 250,000 to 300,000 miles on his engines in Silverados by doing the shorter intervals on oil changes. Good luck to you!
@@andrewkast4087 👍🤞
When do you recommend changing the oil after adding the transmission? Will it affect the piston ring buildup seal?
I run ATF in my engine all the time.
But some people add it before a oil change, run it for a few days to a week, then drain and fill with fresh oil only.
I keep oil and oil filters in stock in my garage because I have several vehicles. That way if you get the wrong filter you don't have to reuse your old filter. You didn't show it in your video but you should also try to prime your oil filter so when the engine starts you will have immediate oil pressure. Please don't use Fram filters. They are very low quality. It doesn't cost that much more to upgrade to a better filter. I have been using ATF to clean engines and lifters for more than 30 years. Thanks and take care.
Fram= top of the line oil filters are rated up there with best! It's their most expensive and we'll made.
A youtuber has opened oil filters and compared the build quality. Fram was in last place for internal build quality!
Now this is the first time I got wind of this. I have a 2015 Silverado with the All Aluminum 5.3. I started to use the Range Disabler two years ago at 70k miles to avoid this problem, and so far so good. If this will add an extra level of safety, why not.
yep, give it a go
How do you like the Range disabler?
@@floydmayes4924 I like mine just fine. I installed mine at 70k miles, two years this month. I have towed my car on trailer, at 70 and in v4 it gets 23mpg. But I wanted to avoid the AFM problems, so I leave it in 100%. Don't miss the 2 mpg drop. I highly recommend it.
Dude thats no secret. All IH SV8 lifters tick at high mileage and this is what we used in those International engines with great success. It does work and it works well.
Read through the comments. You'll be surprised how many people say this doesn't work, and all kinds of crap
It's truly a secret. This info is dying. Let's keep it alive
@@GearsAndTech
I learned about this in 1984 when i graduated school and took a job as lead mech at the school bus garage. We had mostly high mileage 50 & 60 passenger buses with unkillable hi torque 345 and 392's with two buses having the crappy mv404. Those lifters would occasionally tick and i hated that. My dad said add a little "1/2" pint of transmission fluid before oil changes and after. It worked every time since IH lifters auto compensated. Any dirt particles flushed out and silence resumed. In fact, it was good for engine seals as well. So yes it works and if you have hydraulic lifters its a help.
GM Atlas engines also. If you get a cam timing fault. Pull the actuator and look at the screen. Probably covered with carbon.
Mine was. The previous owner had two faults. Bumper sticker driver. Did not like paying for 7 quarts of oil. (6.6L)
Bumper sticker driver. Get close enough to read all the bumper stickers on your rear bumper while doing 70 MPH (113KPH).
How do figure that out? New facia (front bumper) stone dings in the hood.. Must have got a little too close.
Does this method work with synthetic oil as well?
I have seen good results with atf in the engine oil as well
Transmission fluid is a oil with lots of detergent. This would not be a bad thing to do on occasion for one oil change cycle. Marvel mystery oil will also clean sludge buildup out of your engine.
ABOUT TO TRY THIS, AND WILL REPORT BACK! THANKS!!!! Very hopeful lit fixes the lifter tick on 01 Tahoe 5.3 218,xxx and tick quits after 3 or 4 miles, so basically only a cold start tick, but never had it before a year ago, so maybe mi es not too bad off? (This is the wife’s garage kept/ barely driven, except to pull a boat 1 mile to ramp, or once a month grocery shop- and I know NOT being used daily is just as bad or worse than daily driving! I had a 2000 GMC Sierra that I put 473,xxx miles on committing a 250+ mile round trip every weekday for 7 years, and right up to the end it never ticked!)
ABSOLUTLY have removed the lifter tick I had! Took a few oil changes, and I still am adding a bit of MMO, as a preventative. Thanks for the info!!
I like this suggestion and will try it as a prophylactic on my smaller engine vehicles, but only 2-3 ounces.
I was all set to suggest adding some a week before the oil change, too, then you already addressed that.
As I watched, I was getting ready to make a comment about using a funnel, but you beat me to that, too. 😊
They make Detergent motor oils but that may be acid neutralizers, not true detergent.
Any opinion on Motor Medic Valve Medic Oil Detergent. Or MMO?
Awesome video, I have a 2016 sierra it takes 0w20 would you recommend putting in a thicker oil with the AT fluid?
4.3 5w30 check non cafe country valvoline Australia
I knew it was going to be that or Marvel Mystery Oil.I usually add a qt of MMO a month before oil change,you can use it in power steering and transmission to. You extent expensive oil life by using 2 oil filters to oil change.dirty lifeless oil is what does your engine in.good lookin out
Love me another good ole boy trick in my toolbox. Great video !
Right on
One of the main reasons that the V.V. lifters stick \ fail is the VLOM .The bolts( that hold this on the top of the engine block below the intake) they just become loose and this causes the lack of oil pressure around the lower half of the lifter .
1 out of the last 10 or so heads I had to remove to change those lifters the bolts in the VLOM were tight all the other jobs these have been loose .Mainly the front half I could turn them with my fingures.. Try it the next time you have too .
As far as adding trans fluid to your engine it can help simply because of the detergent in the fluid .
In trying to change the oil pressure sensor I discovered my VLOM bolts were loose. But as I started cleaning the intake ports, I noticed there was a hairline crack. Is this normal for these engines? Should I take care of it now? I'm learning to do all of this stuff myself so it's intimidating.
The BG oil treatment has worked wonders for me, definitely more expensive but I’ve got an 06 5.3 that runs like a top!
Glad to hear it.
I learned that trans fluid is a good cleaner for lifters back in the early 1970's, I've added a quart to any engine when I thought they needed a clean up. It also helps condition seals.
is marvel mystery oil just trans fluid....it sure looks like
@@gaylandbarney2231 I have read that MMO is a proprietary formula, not just a transmission fluid. It smells and feels very unique...some combination of solvents I suppose. I have relied on it many times too. And I have used Liquid Wrench in the older pushrod motors when lifters got to sticking...works wonders.
@@garymcmullin2292 thanks
@@garymcmullin2292 made me recall how pb blaster makes a transmission fix additive haha.
Any suggestions for a lifter knocking noise additive for a 2006 ford f250 6.0 diesel?
I appreciate your use of transmission fluid with no coloring.
If you have to add transmission fluid to your oil you're probably running to thick a range, try 0-20 before running a motor with transmission fluid.
I run 5-30 most the time.
Keep in mind, this is a used truck that had 240,000 km from someone else.
I can't confirm the life it had prior to me. I just know it was developing a tick and I wanted to take care of it before permanent damage was done.
This trick is great for that scenario
One thing about pounding a screwdriver through your oil filter. I tried that one time. Instead of the filter turning the screwdriver basically ripped the filter in half. Which became a real mess.
Luckily I have only had to do that once. But I'll mangle the filter trying everything else first.
Excellent point about it being torn up by the flat blad in some occasions
I had that happen too. But I was then able to take that same flat screwdriver and place it in one of the holes at the bottom side of the top of the filter and tap it around till it loosened.
Yep. It's a bad method. Best tool is a 3 prong device that grips tighter the more you turn it. Fits into a 3\8 drive...
Or else a strap wrench.
Filter wrenches--they come in a variety of sizes... lol
That's why you should put a little grease or oil on the gasket before tighting.
Thank you for the tip and have a blessed day today 🙏
You too!
ATF can alter the viscosity of the oil, reducing wear protection. Transmission fluid does not lubricate as well as engine oil. There are products that are designed to be added to engine oil that will do the same thing in a much safer way.
@port nut yes it is not the same as oil, but it is in fact a light viscosity lubricant. Automatic trans have bushings , bearings, plain & Torrington thrust washers & gears that need lubrication too and need the friction modifiers in the different ATFs to control the apply of the clutch paks.
I am a mechanic specialising in transmissions and have heard this as well. I suppose it's ok and have done it occasionally on older tired engines. Adding it to the fuel for both gas & diesel engines somewhat helps to clean fuel systems & injectors but is more of a top lube that way. I would probably be careful adding too much at a time or doing it every oil change. I use and recommend a premium 100% synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series, it's has a very high & robust TBN ( total base number) additive package & works great.
01:29 Great advice about popping the oil filler cap before draining the oil. I'd add that applies to all fluids!
Yes! Thank you!
If you use Amsoil from day 1 on a vehicle you won’t have the ticking to start with. It keeps your engine clean. If you have used traditional oil, this transmission fluid trick is great!
One day I'll own a car from new so I can claim responsibility for its maintenance history
Till then I'm stuck driving other people's problems and finding inexpensive ways to fix them
😆🤣 transmission fluid actually only has very small amounts of detergents in it because it doesn’t NEED to clean anything inside a sealed transmissions. There are no contaminants getting in nor produced during regular operation. You obviously don’t know jack squat about oil chemistry. 🤦🏻♂️
This is an idiotic attempt at fixing an engine defect. There are proper engine oil cleaning additives available that truly help clean shit up and some any “tick” it may be suffering from due to poor maintenance. 🤦🏻♂️
@@GearsAndTech hi. Can i do it with 2017 sierra 5.3 with 0w20 synthetic?
Yes. On a newer engine that presumably doesn't have issues currently u would run with less ATF. In that case half a bottle is plenty
Also, your lifters are newer style. They have bigger holes, so less likely to plug up
@@I_know_what_im_talking_about cry about it, additive shill :^]
I had a 425 caterpillar engine in my freightliner truck. I always put a liter of trans fluid in, on the way home, about 300 - 500 km or so. Then dropped the oil outta her (really hot! ) As soon as I got home, that’s a really expensive engine to mess around with. Never had any problems. Sent oil out for analysis and always came back with good numbers.
RLM
This works but make sure you use older atf without friction modifiers. They are abrasive.
Would you suggest a brand with no friction modifiers? Thanks.
I can't remember but any thing that was for a c4 or c6 or turbo 350 or 400 was good with no friction modifiers
Hey there!
Wow never knew this could be done. Makes sense though as ATF is just base oil with additives / detergents etc, and some red dye lol. I am going to try this in my 2016 GMC Sierra to help clean things up if needed. These lifters are something I worry about too much! Shouldn't be that way but history seems to prove they are problematic. My truck has about 180,000kms and runs pretty smooth, although I have noticed some vibration more so in the last few months. Has me sweating, so anything I can do to help my engine out sounds good to me. I'll take the large amount of people in the comments that are confirming this "secret" and I am going to start with maybe a 1/4 liter, maybe 1/2 liter lol if you talk me into it lol.
What about Subaru. Same thing? No worries?
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers I'm in Ontario, love finding channels close to home with good tips and tricks.
We ran it in our Subaru that was giving random AVCS errors. Seemed to have solved that issue.
Love the video... I believe you
Thinking of trying this on my truck this weekend, which is a neglected retired work truck, I’m in between oil changes, do you recommend just adding a little for now?
Yes. Go slightly over full if you have to. Then at oil change put 1 qt in and top up with oil