Q: We have a 1992 Ford Tempo V6 with 76,000 miles that we purchased new. It is used only as a second car locally and currently driven about 1,000 miles annually. It's in good condition except for one noisy valve lifter. The oil has been changed every three months, except for the last year, when we changed it twice annually due to diminished use. I have added CD2 additive for the last three years, which has helped quiet the lifter but has not been effective lately when driving just a few miles. Cold weather makes it worse. However, when we drive it for several miles, the noise disappears completely but raps again at the next start up. The Ford dealer advised us that correction measures or replacing lifters is not the type of work they do and to continue with additive. Internet sites advised flushing while others advise this could dislodge sludge; still others advise the only correction is replacement. I would appreciate any advice.

A: This is a good question but a tough one at the same time. Flushing the engine may resolve the problem, but there is no guarantee that it won't be the final bullet on this engine. The proper mechanical repair would more than likely exceed the value of the car. Driving the car only 1,000 miles a year is really not helping the situation at all. It would be good to drive long enough for the car to reach the proper operating temperature for a period of time — this will help burn off some of the sludge. Next check your PCV valve for proper operation. You may want to try an oil change with synthetic motor oil and see if that doesn't help the situation. But be advised, this action may also loosen up sludge and generate more problems. My best advice would be to stay with the CD2 additive and when you first start the car, let it run for a bit until it starts to quiet down before you start driving it.

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Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Tuesday in the Biz North section. Write to Larry at Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.