I own a 1998 Pontiac Transport. When I start the vehicle I hear a constant ticking noise.Any ideas what it could be?
I am assuming that the noise quiets down after the engine warms up. If that is the case, I would suspect a sticking valve lifter (or two).
If I were you, I would start with an immediate oil change, with a can of Rislone added to the motor oil. Drive it for a week or so, and change the oil again. With any luck, this will free-up the sticky lifter(s). Just be sure to adhere to regular oil changes thereafter–with every 3 months/4,000 miles being a good interval to keep this problem from returning.
I tried a can of Wynns $3.99 .It worked!
Is this a costly repair?
If the additive worked, and if you follow up by doing what I suggested regarding oil changes, then it is likely that no repairs are necessary. Most cases of sticking valve lifters are the result of not changing the oil often enough.
As one of the veterans of this board likes to say, “Oil is cheap, engines are expensive”. Change your oil more often in the future, and you can likely avoid having to replace the lifters.