I have a 98 blazer that had the engine replaced about 35,000 miles ago. Now it is making some noise that sounds to me like the noise that valves make when you run them with too little oil. BUT only after it warms up.

Oil pressure on the guage reads at about 20 when it is idling after it gets hot, and goes up to around 60 when you drive. Oil level is fine, and no change after I change the oil.

Otherwise the engine runs fine, plenty of power, and no oil leaks.

I am afraid I migh have big problems, what should I look for?

Oh yeah, If I put my ear near the engine, it sounds like the noise comes mostly from the front, driver's side.

thanks, jeff

 

Your oil pressure is perfectly fine. 20psi is nothing to be worried about for a hot idle.

If you are hearing your lifters tap, then it is possible that you have some stuck lifters.

 

how do I unstick lifters?

 

I have a 97 Blazer 4x4 that has a piston slap & lifter noise hot & cold. I tried seafoam to clean lifter without a luck.
The bottom line is that this used replacement engine has been doing this for over 35,000 miles now & keeps running good. I finally quit worrying about all the engine noises & just drive it. The wife commutes 110 miles a day with it. I figure when it blows up I'll worry about it then. Carry tow insurance as we do.

 

You say front driver side is it at the valve covers,exaust,lowers,PS pump area. You can grap a piece of water hose or plastic tubing and hold one end to your ear and the other to parts of the engine to try to narrow it down some. Its possible its really the power steering pump or water pump not valve noise.