I have a ticking lifter that just started today in my 2000 chevy monte carlo ss 3.8 litler my oil gets changed regularly I was wondering how hard would it be to fix this before it gets worse. It only ticks for about a minute if that long an stops could it be I need to change to a synthetic oil or go ahead an replace all lifters. if so how hard is this to do?

 

To get to the lifters you have to remove the entire top end IIRC

 

We had a '94 Grand Am with a 3100 that developed a ticking/stuck lifter or valve on one head (after it warmed up, no more tick, get it cold again, came right back).

We tried to "cheap" way out. Dropped in a bottle of Rislone or Motor Honey (can't remember which). After it circulated, noise went away. Changed the oil, noise came back. Added another bottle.

Took about 3-5 oil changes and additive until we changed the oil and no longer needed the additive. Car ran great for over a year past that (and even during that situation) and ultimately, we ended up selling it (to our knowledge with no outstanding problems). We only sold it because we got a wicked awesome deal on a '05 Impala we could not pass up.

The additive may be something to try, but no guarantees. Motor Honey and Rislone should be available at any parts store.

 

But the 3100 and 3400 are pretty known for the ticking. The 3800 isn't usually as bad.