For 1990-2009 cars

Complaint/Condition | Possible Cause(s) | Correction(s)
--- | --- | ---
Momentarily Noisy When Engine is Started. | This condition is normal. Oil drains from the lifters, which are holding the valves open when the engine is not running. It will take a few seconds for the lifters to fill after the engine is started. | Incorrect/faulty oil filter.
Intermittently Noisy on Idle Only; Disappearing When Engine Speed is Increased. | Dirt in hydraulic lifter or low oil pressure. | Disassemble and clean. Replace lifter.
Pitted or damaged check valve. | Replace the hydraulic lifter.
Noisy at Slow Idle or With Hot Oil; Quiet at High Engine Speeds or with Cold Oil. | High leak down rate or low oil pressure. | Replace the hydraulic lifter.
Noisy at High Speeds, Quiet at Low Speeds. | High Oil Level: Oil level above the MAX mark allows crankshaft counterweights to churn the oil into foam. When foam is pumped into the lifters, they will become noisy since a solid column of oil is required for proper operation. | Drain oil to proper level.
Low Oil Level: Oil level below the MIN mark allows the oil pump to pump air at high speeds which result in noisy lifters. | Add oil as needed.
Engine Starts Normally, But Stalls within Five Minutes. Engine Has Low Compression During Initial Cranking after Stall. | Low compression due to hydraulic lifter(s) being pumped up. | Incorrect viscosity oil. Refer to Owner's Handbook/Service Manual recommendations.