2001 LeSabre 3800L Valve tapping

Hi,
I have a 2001 Buick LeSabre V-6 3800L engine with hydraulic valves. In last week, when cold there appears to be a noticeable valve tapping from the top below the valve cover. Was wanting to know if the adjustment is DIY project or best left to mechanic? Have been advised to try adding an additive specific for valve tapping to oil fill/crankcase since it appears to be only 1 valve. Any comments on use of these additives?
Thanks,
Greynold99

 

Wouldn't hurt to try; your valves are not adjustable. You keep your oil changed at the proper interval?

How many miles on it? It quiets down when it warms up?

 

Tow_Guy
Yes, I'm good about staying tp 3K-4K between oil changes. We bought this car used with about 30K on it; it now has 106K miles; and first thing I did was change the oil. Since I did it the first time, it struck me how much more dirty the oil got between these rather frequent oil changes than any other car I've owned. Also since about 100K miles, I'm having to add about 1/2 qt oil every 1000 miles; which doesn't surprise me given the mileage.
And yes, it does quiet down once the car is warmed up and on subsequent restarts. You hardly notice it unless you're listening for it.

I kind of figured there was no adjustment on hydraulic valves that I could do but someone said that you could remove the valve cover and make a screw-adjustment on the lifter you think is tapping. Just wanted to verify what I thought I understood about hydraulic valves.
thanks,
Greynold99

 

Wanted to ask after the initial reply...

Given the circumstances, is this something that should be taken care immediately or should it be treated with the additive and let go?
Thanks,
Greynold

 

Since you are having cold weather problems with the lifters, I have to ask what grade of oil you are running. A heavier oil can take longer to build up the lifters than say a 5-30 oil.

 

Other than Goldstar's question, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Maybe a little sudge in one of the lifters. Only real fix would be to pull the plenum, intake manifold, and valve covers; remove rockers & pushrods; and remove and either clean or replace the lifters. Lot of work for a little tapping on startup.

 

Tow_guy & Goldstar,
I'll take the tip - try a lighter oil on next oil change and in the meantime add a can of 'Lifter-ease'...

Maybe a full synthetic 5w-30 ... I've been using a part-synthetic blend 10w-30.
Thanks again,
Greynold99