does anyone know if the VQ30 lifters are hydraulic or solid?

has anyone replaced the shims? how difficult is it?

do you think this is lifter noise?...
http://media.putfile.com/VQ30-Start-up-knock2

I thought it was TC tensioner noise, but I don't anymore (I replaced the tensioner and installed the special gasket to prevent oil drain back - it did nothing). now I have no idea what it is. lifter?

 

One of your pulley's might be bad, I had to get one replaced.
Get a long hose and move it around the engine bay to pinpoint the location of the noise.

 

Wow, thats pretty bad (to me, Im picky about noises from the engine). At first, yes it does sound like my engine when its been sitting overnight- my lifters click as well, but it goes away within 2 seconds once oil gets back up there.

Do as Kevlo suggested and go from there. If it is indeed a valve lifter issue, pull out your valve covers and check for sludge buildup. Or the lower oilpan to see if the strainer of the oil pumps pickup is clogged.

First things first, do as Kevlo says and take it from there.

 

VQ's don't have "lifters" in the traditional sense, just direct-acting bucket tappets. Nothing that needs to fill with oil or anything to maintain proper clearance. What you're hearing must be something else.

 

figure it out? I've heard injectors sound like that... but use a makeshift s***hoscope as mentioned earlier and poke around to find the source.

 

my injectors are pretty loud, you sure its not that?