I just bought an 02 Montero Sport XLS with 86k miles on it from the original owner who had it dealer maintained. But my engine started tapping/ticking and I'm assuming its the lifters. It doesn't go away. I've already tried the whole revving the engine to 3rpms to clear out the lifters and that didn't help. I've done it several times. I'm using Valvoline Maxlife 10w30 with a wix oil filter. I did have to replace the valve cover gasket when I bought it, they were leaking a bit. I'm assuming maybe the lifters were deprived of oil from the gaskets leaking. But I was told the ticking was normal and not to worry about. But this doesn't seem normal with only 86k miles. Any advice would help. I was quoted $975 to replace all my lifters.

 

ok well this site sucks cause no one responds!!