Just went over yesterday and checked on my '88 RX (it's been parked for about two months) and ran her for awhile and such. She is now ticking badly! I am wondering if this truly spells *DOOM* or if I can just change the oil and use a bit Lucas in the mix to quiet it back down? I'm assuming it's the HLA's making the tick, my old Nissan did the same when it got cold out, but can't be sure without tearing into the engine. Also, what's the weight of oil that would be recommended for an EA82T w/145k miles on it, at 6000+ ft altitude and temps dropping down from the high 80's?

I wouldn't worry at all. Change the oil, and run her for a while and I'm sure the ticking will go away. I always run 10-40 in my Subes, even in low temps. I think they like the heavier oil to keep the pressure up.

Yeah i wounldnt worry to much. It's probely just a little dirt. Do an oil change put a Subaru filter on. And let her run and she'll be ok!

Lucas bad!!!!! I used to use it alot, but no, no!! Using a product like Lucas Oil Stabilizer can CAUSE HLA tick! if they are ticking badly it means one thing; they arent getting enough oil pressure. There can be several reasons for this:

 

Poor pressure output from the oil pump;

worn HLAs no longer sealing properly (theres a spring and a check ball);

something sticking in that check ball and causing a bad seal;

air bubbles in the oil stream (as a result of bad seals or cam case O rings).

 

The third one is the easiest to "check" for. You can either add about a quart of ATF to your oil, or a half cup of Seafoam, and run for about 500 miles then change oil and filter. That should make it better, at least. If not, then you are looking at one of the harder problems to deal with, but none of them are that difficult.

 

TOD is one of the more common issues discussed here; a search will yield TONS of discussions on this subject.