Oiling issue during autocross

[seningen]

Originally Posted by thstone

I had a very similar ticking with my engine and I believe what you're hearing is a lifter. My ticking also started after a track session.

It was never noticeable on the street but it got progressively worse and would be easy to hear after coming off the track.

With over 130,000 miles on the engine, I just let it go and kept driving the car to/from the track and racing.

Ultimately (at 136,000 miles and 89 track days), a lifter failed and my engine had to be completely rebuilt including replacing all of the lifters and the lifter carrier/cradle. Here is the story: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/52798-engine-failure-pics.html

I wouldn't worry too much right at this moment, but an engine noise is never a good thing and I'd recommend that you have your engine checked to have the ticking source identified so you know exactly what's going on.

So is it a lifter failing or debris in the lifter?

Trying to understand how it can come and go?

Does the heat or thinning oil allow bypassing the internal lifter seals?

Mike