Ran engine low on oil...

[Blue_Thunder]

So my oil pressure dropped really low today while driving. I pulled over and my oil was 2 quarts low. I now have a loud lifter knock coming from the back of the left side valve cover. I now know what thew noise was I heard 3 weeks ago but I thought it was an exhaust leak because one it sounded like one and it was really quiet. Well its loud now... I don't have a lot of experience with engine internals and I was wondering if I could have some help in this area. Need advice. And yes I feel like a complete idiot for not checking my oil level considering I do have oil leaks (rear main, oil pan and valve covers a little, but mostly my rear main)

Please don't berate me for my stupid mistake either.

[Kwazrollinz28]

my truck has a loud lifter tick at cold start up, once warm it gos away, and when it doesnt i rev it up to 2k rpm and it gos away once oil pressure hits it, try that unless you dont want to.

you probably damaged it, there not expensive. just be sure its NOT your lower end.

[Blue_Thunder]

It doesn't sound like its coming from my lower end. The noise is right around the valve cover. And its noisy when the car is warm not cold if that makes a difference. Would I just need to replace the lifters and springs then if thats all I damaged?

[Kwazrollinz28]

It doesn't sound like its coming from my lower end. The noise is right around the valve cover. And its noisy when the car is warm not cold if that makes a difference. Would I just need to replace the lifters and springs then if thats all I damaged?

Springs are fine, lifter is Probably screwed but im no lifter genius im not sure how they work besides pressure.

[ICEPICK]

try 30 weight oil, it might help from breaking down when it gets warm and may help the lifter pump up better.

[Blue_Thunder]

Its a 1974 350 from an impalla. The internals are stock from the look of the condition of the engine. So I would just order at set of lifters for that make and model year correct?

[Blue_Thunder]

try 30 weight oil, it might help from breaking down when it gets warm and may help the lifter pump up better.

I have 10w-40 in there right now.

[Kwazrollinz28]

Its a 1974 350 from an impalla. The internals are stock from the look of the condition of the engine. So I would just order at set of lifters for that make and model year correct?

1 lifter and there like 8 dollars each from jegs.

[Blue_Thunder]

1974, they used Hydraulic flat tappet lifters right?

[bigjon88]

i believe if u replace "A" lifter you are going to wait to do them all

[Blue_Thunder]

So I should replace them all?

[shawnc16]

Lifter tick is no biggie. I wouldnt worry bout it til it gets louder or yur feeling a power loss. Its a GEN 1 motor man.. They make all kinds of noise especially without a roller valvetrain

[Blue_Thunder]

Its loud enough I can hear it over my exhaust at low speeds and I have no muffler.

[98blackbeauty]

Its loud enough I can hear it over my exhaust at low speeds and I have no muffler.

OBTW the quote in your sign. Lead, follow, or get out of my way was Lee Iaccoca

[lozanoa11]

try 5w-30. I had the same problem about 2000 miles after my oil changes but when i switched to 5w-30 it went away