Lifter Noise on zr2 blazer, looking to buy. Opinions Please!!!!
 

I currently own a '98 LS 4 dr 4x4 blazer, 172K miles, and found a 99 zr2 for $2700. Everything is great cosmetically, through and through, but upon test driving I hear a pretty loud tick tick noise (probably a lifter?) that seems to quite down after warm up. The zr2 has 150K miles. Should I buy it???? Is this a big issue to fix or???? Additionally, the oil cap is missing, which makes me curious. Otherwise, the truck is meticulously clean.

Lifters seldom fail on the 4.3L. I'd tell them to fix the noise first, then buy it. Otherwise, you may end up spending more to fix the problem than what you paid for the truck. I'm thinking something in the lower end is going rather than a lifter.

Really? Gauging by the numerous posts on here of "lifter" noises I thought thats what it may be, but the lower end is definatly a possibility

There is the possibility for a wiped cam lobe. I have seen this before along with a stuck lifter. It really depends on how well the motor was serviced by the previous owners.

Yea, I agree. I think i'm going to buy it anyways. Everything on it is mint, except for the engine. Even if it does fail, it would make a great engineering project.... hehe maybe ls2? ls7??? haha

There are many of these trucks that get lifter noise that basically goes away after warm up. It is caused by a leaking Intake Manifold Gasket. When the antifreeze gets into the oil it causes sludge build up and will cause the lifter to start sticking. If you change the oil and it goes away or use some Marvels Mystery Oil and it goes away then comes back this will most likely be your issue. You may want to look at the years affected buy this but i know the 00 to 04 are prone to it. I have an 01 and just went thru this mess as did many others on this forum.

Ok, thanks

No Problem, Just wondering if you found your problem yet.