Name | Size | Raiting | |
---|---|---|---|
Marvel Mystery Oil | 32 oun. | 4.6 stars | Check Price |
Achoil Friction Modifier | 16 oun. | 4.5 stars | Check Price |
Zmax Engine Additive | 12 oun. | 4.4 stars | Check Price |
Liqui Moly | 300 ml. | 4.0 stars | Check Price |
Rislone | 16.9 oun. | 4.2 stars | Check Price |

However, when oil becomes dirty or oil levels become too low, the lifter loses some of its internal pressure and often begins to tick. Different types of oil additive for lifter noise can be used to help reduce the amount of noise and keep your engine running optimally. Beyond that, oil additives may even help automobile owners to avoid committing to a costly repair.
Then, use our informative buyer’s guide to make a wise purchase decision of your own. We’ll break down all the benefits of oil additives and answer frequently asked questions about the topic.
Top Engine Oil Additive For Noisy Lifters 2023
Marvel Mystery Oil – Editor’s Choice and Most Versatile
Marvel’s original Mystery Oil is formulated to provide long-lasting protection to all of an engine’s internal components. First of all, it serves as a lubricating protective layer that prevents friction from metal contact.
What’s more, it boasts detergent additives that help to free engine oil of impurities and remove stubborn sludge from the injectors and fuel system. Marvel Mystery Oil can be added to both the oil crankcase as well as your gas tank to help boost your vehicle’s performance. In addition to reducing tappet noise, it is also said to increase gas mileage and prevent dry starts.
It is important to note that Marvel Mystery Oil can be used in the crankcase of gasoline, biodiesel, and diesel fuel engines. What’s more, it can be used with both regular and synthetic engine oil varieties. In addition, it is considered safe to mix with other oil additives and lubricants.
It is also important to note that it can be used regularly and repeatedly to improve everything from fuel economy to lifter sound. Beyond that, it can be used to replace up to 20 percent of your engine’s oil to restore its performance levels that of its younger self. Meanwhile, it can be added a few hundred miles before an upcoming oil change to help clean the engine of sludge.
What’s great is this oil Additive for lifter tick can be added to virtually any engine, regardless of its type of fuel. What’s more, Marvel Mystery oil improves oil flow, lubrication, and cleanliness. Furthermore, it the fuel system of sludge. Marvel is a trusted automotive supply company. Plus, this one of their better-known aftermarket oil additives. Last but not least, we think it smells fantastic!
- Helps improve fuel economy.
- It can be used to replace up to 20 percent of crankshaft oil capacity.
- It acts as a detergent to remove sludge and debris from an automobile’s existing motor oil supply.
- It may improve gas mileage.
- It helps quiet the tapping sound produced by a malfunctioning or stuck hydraulic lifter.
- Prevents oil breakdown caused by extreme temperatures.
- This product can be used on a regular basis.
- It may be used in a variety of applications, including gas, biodiesel, and diesel vehicles as well as power equipment.
- Some customers may not see an improvement in gas mileage.
- For some, there may not be any noticeable improvements.
Achoil Friction Modifier -Editor’s Choice for Gas-powered Vehicles

Archoil AR9100 Oil Additive is a potent aftermarket compound that can help to reduce the amount of friction within a vehicle’s hydraulic lifter. It works by coating the inner mechanisms, including the gearbox, engine, and hydraulic tappets, with a lubricating film.
Archoil may even help to eliminate cold starts caused by misfires in 6.0L and 7.3L Power Strokes. What’s more, this oil solvent can increase engine power and response time. Not only that, but it contains powerful cleaning agents that efficiently remove sludge and varnish buildup in an automobile’s fuel system.
Archoil AR9100 Best Oil Additive to stop lifter noise is suitable for use in both gasoline and diesel engines (including Cummins, Duramax and Power Stroke). Per the manufacturer’s recommendation, vehicle owners should use no more than 1.2 ounces of AR9100 for every quart of regular engine oil. Meanwhile, an entire bottle should be used to treat a Ford Powerstroke. Once you’ve added a bit of Archoil to your crankcase, you may be able to extend the amount of time you go between oil changes.
The Archoil formula utilizes extreme pressure additives and highly polarized esters to ensure that all parts of the engine are completely lubricated. With less friction, moving mechanisms are able to move more freely, build up less heat, and produce less noise. It is also important to note that this product can be used continuously throughout the life of a vehicle.
Archoil provides a faster start and overall smoother performance. Not only that, but it has the potential to increase gas mileage and extend the amount of time between oil changes. It comes in a 16-ounce container, ensuring you won’t need a lot to see major improvements.
- It drastically reduces the amount of sludge and deposits throughout the fuel system and engine oil.
- It is also said to increases gas mileage.
- This product prevents oil from turning over acidic.
- It also reduces the amount of friction by producing a lubricating film. This film eliminates friction between metal elements.
- Some customers report not seeing a difference in engine performance after using Archoil.
- It is expensive. Nevertheless, it is far cheaper than having an entire lifter replaced.
Zmax Engine Additive And Cleaner – Quickest Improvement

zMax 51-212 Engine Formula engine lubricant drastically reduces friction by coating internal engine mechanisms with the thin film. It also helps to remove carbon buildup inside the engine. Moments after adding zMax 51-212 Engine Formula, you’ll also notice a decrease in sound and smoother operation.
zMax 51-212 is a major performance booster. It extends the life of an engine by cleaning and coating its parts. It also helps to reduce emissions in both new and old cars. What’s more, it increases an engine’s potential horsepower. Effective almost immediately after adding zMax 51-212 Engine Formula, vehicle owners will notice a decrease in the amount of sound produced by their vehicle’s hydraulic lifter.
To use zMax 51-212 Engine Formula, add it at the time of an oil change. It can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines.
It is important to note that zMax 51 comes in a 12-ounce bottle. The bottle is transparent and features a long slender neck. This design makes it easier to pour the aftermarket additive to stop lifter noise in the crankcase.
- Extension engine life.
- Reduction emissions.
- It contains a micro-lubricant that efficiently coats engine parts and reduces friction.
- It quiets engine noise, including the ticks caused by hydraulic lifters.
- Most engines, new and old, respond immediately to this well-developed formula.
- This product helps reduce the amount of wear produced by friction between engine parts.
- It does not work as well with thick viscosity oils.
- Some customers may be surprised to find that it is a clear liquid rather than a dark oil.
Liqui Moly Hydraulic Lifter Additive -Most Specified Formula

Liqui Moly 20004 Hydraulic Lifter Additive is specifically formulated to prevent hydraulic tappet noise. It does this by cleaning the lubrication ducts and holes in the oil circuit. In doing so, it also optimizes the performance of the hydraulic tappet. What’s more, it increases the overall performance of the vehicle.
Liqui Moly 20004 Hydraulic Lifter Additive is suitable for use with all commercial oils. Beyond that, this compound can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines. It is important to note that tests have revealed it has no adverse effect on catalytic converters nor turbochargers. A 300-milliliter bottle of Liqui Moly can be used with any engine that utilizes 1.6 or more liters of engine oil.
While many engine oils feature a long and often questionable list of performance boosting claims, Liqui Moly is uniquely formulated to lubricate and clean lifters. Liqui Moly 20004 comes in a 300-milliliter bottle with an easy twist off cap.
- It quiets or stops a reoccurring ticking sound caused by a faulty hydraulic tappet.
- It helps engine owners avoid having to pay for costly lifter replacements.
- It is specifically formulated to solve lifter noise issues.
- This aftermarket oil additive removes grime and sludge from a vehicle’s fuel system.
- It also reduces the amount of friction between metal engine parts.
- While the product works well, the effect does not last long.
- Most customers attest that you must drive a car several miles before being able to see the effects of the product.
Rislone Engine Treatment Concentrate – Best Anytime Use Engine Oil Additive to stop lifter noise

Bar’s Products Rislone Engine Treatment Concentrate reduces engine friction and wear. It also quiets ticking lifters and noisy valves. The formula also contains sludge-removing detergents. The best part is that Bar additive can be added to engine oil at any time.
What’s more, it will not void any sort of vehicle warranty. If you have a noisy or high mileage car, this additive will help restore its performance levels back to where they once were. As the manufacturer claims, “it’s like a multivitamin for your car.”
Bar’s Products Rislone Engine Treatment Concentrate has a history dating back to 1921. It can be used in a variety of engines. Beyond that, you do not need to wait until your oil change to add it. All you have to do is top of the tank with the appropriate amount.
Beyond that, this product is great for individuals who don’t want to rush their next oil change. Meanwhile, it works great to lubricate engine parts and reduce friction. Therefore, we consider this to be an extremely comprehensive engine additive.
- It drastically reduces the amount of friction and wears on metal surfaces.
- It quiets noisy hydraulic tappets.
- It features a detergent best oil additive to quiet lifters that helps remove sludge from the fuel system.
- It will not void a manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty.
- It does not contain any zinc oil additives valve lifter noise.
- Some customers experience no noticeable difference in tappet sound
Best engine oil additive for lifter noise – Buyer’s Guide
What are Oil Additives?
Aftermarket oil treatment for lifter noise are proprietary blends that are designed to be added to your regular motor oil. As the supplemented motor oil circulates through an engine, the oil additive works by lubricating the metals. This reduces the effects of friction and subsequent wear and tear.
It can also improve the efficiency of an engine, increasing stats such as gas mileage, the time between oil changes, and the significance of buildup. In fact, many oil additives contain detergent agents that help cleanse engine oil of damaging gunk.
How to Choose the Correct Oil Additive for a Noisy Lifter
Each oil additive contains a proprietary blend of chemical compounds that are intended to improve a wide range of engine functions. Below, we’ve provided you with a brief rundown of popular ingredients and their functions.
LOAs
Lubricating oil additives, or LOAs, are often added to reduce the amount of friction between metal engine components. The most common lubricating agent is phosphorous. Meanwhile, boron and molybdenum are popular alternatives. These materials are extremely effective. However, phosphorous creates carbon buildup in catalytic converters.
Zinc
Zinc is typically blended together with phosphorous, as in ZDDP/ZDTP. This chemical formula improves engine efficiency and boosts overall performance levels. It is important to note that zinc should not be overused, as it can damage the catalytic converter.
Magnesium Sulfonates
For decades, magnesium sulfate has been added to oil additives to remove oil impurities. Engines suffering from noisy lifters can benefit from the quieting effects of sludge removal. What’s more, these detergents can help inhibit rust inside an engine. This improves the life and performance of an engine.
Extreme Pressure Agents
Extreme pressure agents are ingredients that are often added to lubricants to prevent friction between metal parts. Popular agents include chlorine, potassium-borate, and sulfur-phosphorus. They create a superficial film on the surface of metals. This film is resistant to the high pressure created within a running engine. It works to improve the life of engine parts and prevent premature wear.
Nanoparticles
Many oil additive manufacturers boast about their use of nanoparticles. However, what are these tiny ingredients made of? Titanium oxide nanoparticles are one of the most popular additives. It is said to increase horsepower and fuel mileage. Meanwhile, it is also intended to reduce sound quickly. As an added bonus, it does not cause damage to the catalytic converter.
What is Oil Viscosity and Why Is It Important?
When your mechanic goes to change your oil, he or she needs to use the oil viscosity recommended by your car manufacturer. While viscosity is a measure of thickness, it is often used to gauge the amount of friction within an engine. Oil additives are considered viscosity index improvers, or VIIs.
They work to thicken preexisting engine oil. While thick oil may seem counterproductive, it provides solid, longlasting lubrication. Since oil viscosity is often altered by extreme temperatures, many oil additives contain VIIs that are temperature resistant. An oil additive with a solid VIIs can help to eliminate cold starts in addition to ceasing lifter noise.
How Does it Work?
When hydraulic tappets/lifters become worn, dirty, or un-lubricated, they begin to tick loudly. This sound is continuous and occurs in a rapid rhythm. When this occurs, vehicle owners may also notice a sudden decrease in engine power. The ticking sound and power reduction are typically caused by a loss in internal pressure.
This causes the adjusters, which normally optimize your engine performance, to drop. Oil additives can come to the rescue by lubricating an engine’s moving parts, improving the viscosity of engine oil, and removing harmful buildup from the fuel system. What’s more, a reliable oil additive can save vehicle owners from costly repairs and frustrating visits to the mechanic.
Issues Related to Hydraulic Lifters
Hydraulic lifter noise can be caused by a number of different issues. Read along to learn about the most common causes.
Failed Lifter
Some lifters are completely beyond repair. In such cases, oil additives will do little to improve the sound or issues related to them. If this is the case, you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have the issue properly diagnosed and sorted out. Keep in mind that this is the costliest lifter issue.
Sludge
Believe it or not, sludge, or deposits, are one of the most common lifter issues. If you suspect that buildup may be the culprit of your noisy hydraulic lifter, consider purchasing an oil additive with noteworthy cleaning agents. Add it at the time of your oil change to rule out whether or not sludge is the culprit. Sludge can block the valves and bores in the hydraulic tappets, preventing them from operating efficiently.
Bent Push Rods, Broken Rocker Arms, and Failed Valve Tips
If your hydraulic lifter fails and is not repaired in time, it could cause a domino effect of engine issues. For example, bent or damaged pushrods, which come as a result of an overworked hydraulic lifter, need to be replaced completely. Having engine parts replaced or repaired is generally costly and not what a vehicle wants to hear. If you are able to, we recommend utilizing a bottle of engine oil additive before your problem worsens.
Loss of Pressure
Are you changing your oil regularly? Pressure loss can occur for a number of reasons, but one of the most common is dirty oil caused infrequent vehicle maintenance. While oil sludge occurs naturally, regular oil changes can keep the issue at bay. Most car manufacturers recommend conventional oils be changed every 3,000 miles or so. Meanwhile, full synthetic varieties can last up to 7,500 miles or so.
Wrong Oil Viscosity
I can become an issue if you are using the wrong viscosity grade of oil. In most cases, thicker oils are quieter than thin oils. Oftentimes, oil additives alter the viscosity of oil to improve its performance. However, some mechanics attest that oils with thicker viscosities may act as a noise damper by lubricating parts better. Beyond that, thicker oils tend to burn slower, resulting in less sludge.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever experienced a noisy tappet, you know how frustrating the constant tick can be. Serving as a reoccurring reminder that costly repairs may be around the bend, vehicle owners often feel that there is little they can do to remedy this metallic noise.
The good news is that the tapping sound of a faulty hydraulic lifter is easy to distinguish from other engine malfunctions. What’s more, oil additives are an inexpensive and often effective solution to the issue. We hope you enjoyed our top five reviews of oil additives for noisy lifters. These products have done wonders to improve the performance levels and noisiness of our engines, and we hope they do the same for yours!
























