There’s a certain thrill in revving up your vehicle’s engine, but when that thrill is accompanied by a cacophony of rattles, clicks, and clatters, it can quickly turn into an unsettling experience. Engine noise, especially the notorious noisy lifters, can be more than just an annoyance; it might be indicative of underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to costly repairs down the road. Thankfully, the automotive industry has evolved, offering a range of solutions to tackle this persistent problem.
In this blog post, we delve into the world of engine additives, exploring the best options available to quieten engine noise and silence those bothersome noisy lifters. We’ll take a closer look at the science behind these additives, how they work to mitigate noise, and what factors you should consider before incorporating them into your vehicle maintenance routine.
What Is the Best Oil Additive to Stop Engine Ticking?
Sea Foam stands as one of the pioneering names in the realm of engine additives and cleaners, boasting a history that traces back to its establishment in 1942. The genesis of this legacy can be found in the 1930s, when Fred Fandrei, a charismatic salesman within the petroleum industry and an ardent fishing enthusiast, faced the persistent challenge of curbing the frequent malfunctions plaguing his outboard motor. In response, he ingeniously formulated a concoction of unparalleled efficiency, a formulation that soon found its way into the hands of fellow anglers and boat proprietors.
Legend has it that the moniker “Sea Foam” was birthed from a casual conversation with one of Fandrei’s companions who casually requested a bottle of the mysterious “Sea Foam stuff.” Throughout the course of this narrative, we’ll encounter several alternate renditions of the name.
Over the span of nearly eight decades, the Sea Foam motor treatment solution retained its preeminence as the preferred engine cleaner. This enduring success is a testament to the brand’s ongoing evolution and expansion, which encompassed an enhanced product lineup featuring offerings such as high mileage solutions, trans tune substances, power steering fluids, oil stabilizers, and an array of other innovative products.
1. Liqui Moly 2037
The Liqui Moly 2037 Pro-Line is a really good cleaner for car engines. It’s the best one compared to others because it’s easy to use and it gets rid of bad stuff in your engine quickly and safely.
Liqui Moly shows that cleaning your engine doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to pour the 2037 Pro-Line cleaner into your warm engine and let it run for about 15 minutes. After that, you can get rid of the old oil, put in a new filter, and fill it up with fresh oil. The special stuff in this cleaner is made to safely get rid of all the dirt, grime, and other gunk that builds up in your engine. It works for both diesel and gasoline engines.
The only downside is that this cleaner doesn’t stop your car from using oil. So, if your car uses up oil quickly, you might want to think about trying a different option. Still, for most engines, the Liqui Moly 2037 Pro-Line is the best cleaner to get rid of engine gunk.
2. Liqui Moly 20004
You only need a small amount of this additive to make your oil start working. One thing I really like about Liqui Moly is that it makes the oil better at reducing friction and helping things slide smoothly. While it’s doing that job, the Liqui Moly 20004 also cleans out the passages that the oil flows through. This special stuff is really good for the valve bores – the places where the valves open and close. It cleans them up and keeps them in really good shape.
And believe me, it actually works. I had this ticking noise and annoying tapping from the valves, but as soon as I started using the Liqui Moly 20004 hydraulic lifter additive, those sounds disappeared. Because of that, my engine is way quieter now when I’m driving compared to before I used this.
I know some folks who have these hydraulic lifters in their old car engines, you know, those classic cars that need some extra care. If you don’t take care of these things properly, they can make irritating noises while you’re driving. I was aware of that, but I was genuinely surprised to see how Liqui Moly made my engine perform like it was a brand-new shiny BMW.
So, here’s my suggestion: If you’ve got a gasoline or diesel engine, give this product a shot. And guess what? Even if your engine has a turbocharger, this additive works really well with your engine oil. Depending on how much you drive, this one bottle can last for about 3000 miles, maybe a bit less. I’m not complaining though, because I usually drive around 1500 miles before needing to do anything like this. Oh, and I know you might be wondering if this stuff works with all those different engine oils you can buy out there. Well, don’t worry, it’s good to use with any kind of engine oil you’ve got. I personally tried out the 300ml bottle, and that was enough for 6 liters or around 6.34 quarts of oil.
3. Bar’s Leaks – 1000 Engine Repair
As the engine gets older and has been driven more, just using oil isn’t enough. Inside the engine, the parts don’t fit together as perfectly as they used to, which can make the engine noisy and less powerful. Stuff like bearings start to wear out, seals can start to leak, and things called rings don’t work well anymore. All of this leads to the engine losing power.
That’s where Engine Repair comes in. It’s like a helper for your engine. It stops and prevents these problems and makes your engine last longer. See, engine oil isn’t only used to make things slippery, it also needs to cool things down, protect against rust, and clean out dirt. But as the oil gets old, it doesn’t work as well. This can cause more friction and parts to wear out.
Over time, the engine wears down and this makes the oil pressure lower, the engine loses its power, you need more fuel, and the engine might start leaking or making weird noises. Engine Repair has special things inside it that can fix these common problems caused by old oil. It helps bring back the power the engine has lost, makes things quieter, stops the engine from using up oil too quickly, and makes worn-out parts work better.
For most cars, using Engine Repair is like a last chance to fix these problems before they become really expensive or before you need to get a new car. You can use Engine Repair if your oil is running low, or you can add it when you change the oil and filter. It works with different kinds of engine oils, including regular, synthetic, and high-mileage ones.
In simple terms, Engine Repair does a bunch of good things for your engine:
- Makes the oil pressure higher
- Reduces things rubbing against each other
- Cleans the insides of the engine
- Makes knocking noises go away
- Stops annoying ticking sounds
- Helps the engine from using up too much oil
- Stops the engine from making smoke
- Fixes leaks
So, if your car’s engine isn’t feeling great, Engine Repair might be able to make it feel better again.
4. XADO Oil additive
XADO is a brand that offers a range of lubricant additives and treatments for engines, transmissions, and other machinery. Their products are primarily known for containing a patented technology called “REVITALIZANT®,” which is claimed to restore and protect engine surfaces, reduce friction, and extend the lifespan of mechanical components.
Pros:
- Restoration of Engine Components: One of the main selling points of XADO additives is their claim to revitalize and restore worn engine components. The REVITALIZANT® technology is said to create a protective layer on metal surfaces, reducing friction and potentially improving engine performance.
- Extended Engine Lifespan: XADO products suggest that by reducing friction and wear, they can help extend the lifespan of an engine or mechanical component. This could potentially save money on repairs and replacements.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Some users report improved fuel efficiency after using XADO additives. The reduced friction and smoother operation could lead to better overall engine performance.
- Easy to Use: XADO additives are often designed to be added to your existing oil during an oil change, making them relatively simple to use.
Cons:
- Mixed Results: Reviews of XADO additives can be polarized. While some users report positive results in terms of reduced engine noise, improved performance, and extended component life, others may not experience the same benefits.
- Initial Reaction: Some users have reported that after using XADO additives, their vehicles experienced an initial drop in performance or fuel efficiency. This might be due to the adaptation period required for the REVITALIZANT® to take effect.
- Compatibility Concerns: There have been discussions about the compatibility of XADO additives with certain types of oils or specific engine types. It’s important to carefully read the product instructions and consult with experts if you’re unsure about compatibility.
- Long-Term Effectiveness: While XADO emphasizes the long-term benefits of their additives, independent and long-term studies on the durability and ongoing effectiveness of the REVITALIZANT® technology are limited.
5. Archoil Oil Additive
The Archoil Friction Modifier does a bunch of good things for your car’s engine. It makes the engine last longer by reducing how much it gets worn out. It also helps get rid of tiny bits of rust in the engine, makes the engine quieter, and keeps it from getting too hot.
The Archoil AR9100 Oil Additive comes in a bottle with 16 ounces of the liquid. You can use it in any kind of vehicle, like cars that run on diesel or gasoline. It’s not just for engines, though – you can also use it in things like gearboxes, hydraulics, and power steering systems. It’s especially good for fixing problems with starting the engine in cold weather.
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The bottle is enough to treat 13 quarts of oil. That’s about 13 bottles of water. For most things, you only need a little bit, like 1.2 ounces, for each quart of oil. But if you’re using it for other stuff like gears and hydraulics, you might need a bit more – around 3.2 ounces for each quart.
Key Features:
- It’s a liquid you add to your car’s oil.
- It makes the engine last longer and fixes some problems.
- You can use it in different parts of the car, not just the engine.
- The bottle is enough for 13 quarts of oil.
- You only need a little bit for each quart of oil.
- It works with diesel and gasoline engines.
6. Lucas AI Innovations Oil Stabilizer
The Lucas AI, Innovations Oil Stabilizer, is designed to reduce friction and eliminate Dry Starts. This additive will also minimize wear in the engine, making it last longer. When you add the Lucas AI stabilizer to your oil, it will increase its Lubricity and reduce oil consumption. The operating temperatures will also go considerably lower. This stabilizer is 100% made out of petroleum, and its viscosity is twice that of your regular additive. It works well with both diesel and gasoline engines, among other movable appliances. If you have an old engine that you are not yet ready to give up on, this stabilizer is perfect. It will bind all the deposits together and generally reduce the strain on the engine.
7. Red Line 81403
The Red Line 81403 break-in oil comes with two compounds that are sure to give your engine a boost.There is an anti-wear component that will take care of the valve train, among other engine parts, and a cleansing component. This additive will result in a quieter operation when added to the engine oil, making it ideal for older engines. It will be easier to start the engine, and the car will run more smoothly and efficiently. The zinc in this additive will prevent the rotating assemblies from scoring and eliminate any imperfections. Since the product is vehicle-specific, just ensure that you use it for the right engine and follow the application process as specified by the manufacturer.
8. STP 18566 High Mileage Engine Flush
STP 18566 is like a special cleaner for older engines with more than 75,000 miles on them. It helps to clean the inside of the engine by getting rid of things like dirt and gunk that can build up over time. This stuff is good at cleaning parts called intake valves and combustion chambers, which are important for the engine to work well. It also removes sludge that can stick to the inside of the engine’s cylinder heads. This way, your engine can work better even after you change the oil.
The best thing about STP’s engine cleaner is that it’s really easy to use and works pretty fast. You just pour it into the engine when it’s warmed up. And guess what? Your engine will start running more quietly almost right away. This is really helpful if your car’s engine has been making loud noises. It can reduce sounds like ticking and knocking, especially in older cars (as long as the noise isn’t caused by a big problem).
STP 18566 is pretty great, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. One bottle doesn’t last for a lot of uses, so you might need more than one. Also, it’s important to know that using any kind of cleaning liquid in your engine can sometimes have downsides. The cleaner might not get rid of all the dirt, which could end up causing more problems later on.
9. Bg109 Engine Performance Restoration
Bg109 is a special liquid that makes your car’s engine work better. It’s been tested a lot and works well for both new cars and ones that have been driven a lot. It’s like a cleaning solution for the inside of the engine, helping it run smoother and use less fuel. But be careful, the label says not to use it if your engine is really dirty.
Using it is easy. You need to let your car run for 15 minutes before changing the oil. Tests have shown that Bg109 can make the engine stronger and work better. If your car uses up oil too quickly, Bg109 can help with that too, so you don’t have to change the oil as often.
But here’s the catch: Bg109 doesn’t do much more than regular car check-ups. It only helps if you haven’t taken good care of your car or if there’s a bigger problem. Also, the bottles of Bg109 are small and a bit expensive. If your car has a big engine, you might need to buy two bottles.
Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise Buyer Guide
Additives are worth investment and will keep your engine running efficiently. However, you must get the right type if you want to get the best out of engine additives. There are a few factors to consider when shopping for a quiet engine additive. These factors include:
Viscosity
Generally, the thicker the oil additive, the better. However, you also have to consider the engine and the openings inside it. For an engine with narrow openings, you are better off with a thinner additive that will easily penetrate all surfaces. Since the additive doesn’t change the thickness of your engine oil, you will realize that your engine works whatever viscosity you choose. If you aren’t sure if your additive of choice is good for your engine, ask the manufacturer. Your car mechanic may also be resourceful where selecting a good engine additive is concerned.
Composition
Additives come with different ingredients, so you need to check these before making a purchase. From the ingredients, you easily tell what the additive will do for your engine. For example, if the additive contains zinc, then you know that it will boost your engine’s performance in addition to keeping it quiet. An additive with phosphorous works to minimize wear and tear and is ideal if you want to incorporate preventative maintenance into your engine.
Engine Type
Some additives are engine-specific, so you have to check the label when you go shopping. Some additives only work for the gas engine, while others are multipurpose. If you have a few engines that need additives, go with the multipurpose option. You may not use a whole container of additives in a small engine, and there is no need to buy two types if you can find one that can work for different engines.
Engine Needs
So, why are you using additives in the first place? Did something happen to trigger this action? Maybe your lifters are getting too noisy for comfort even with regular oil changes. You may also simply want to protect your engine to ensure that it serves you well. Whatever your engine needs, you can be sure there is an additive for it. Whether yours is an old engine that you want to give some life or you are concerned about the rising noise from your engine, you will find an additive to fulfill your problem. Just explain to the attendant at the shop what your needs are. When shopping online, check the description and see what the additive will do for you. Do not assume that an additive isn’t good because you do not feel the effect right away. It will take a few miles for the additive to circulate throughout the engine.
On Best Additive to Quiet Engine Noise
In the quest for a quieter and smoother driving experience, identifying the best additive to address engine noise and noisy lifters has been both enlightening and fruitful. Amidst the array of options, one standout additive has emerged, offering a lasting solution by not only reducing noise but also tackling the underlying causes for improved engine health.
Remember that a quieter engine isn’t just about comfort; it reflects a well-maintained engine. Opting for an additive that not only silences noise but also provides essential lubrication contributes to a longer-lasting and better-performing engine.
However, success doesn’t solely hinge on the chosen product. Regular maintenance and a vigilant ear for unusual sounds are crucial for spotting and resolving potential problems early. By combining the right additive with attentive care, you can prevent future complications and expenses.
In summary, achieving a quieter engine and a more serene driving experience is achievable. Armed with the knowledge of the optimal additive for addressing engine noise and lifters, you have the means to elevate your driving enjoyment. Embrace this insight, prioritize engine care, and relish the newfound tranquility that arises from a well-preserved vehicle. Your ears and your driving satisfaction will both reap the rewards.
Hi, my name is Todd R. Bressler and I am the founder of this soundproofing blog. I’m a DIY enthusiast from Cincinnati, the city that just beat New York for the City That Never Sleeps Award in 2020. (Original) I have been in the DIY soundproofing industry for close to 5 years, running a YouTube channel and a Podcast show every Saturday. I started Crafty Soundproofing to help you learn the basics of “self defending yourself against noise”
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