Engine has ticking sound during idle, someone told me it was lifters. how can I be sure

1990 FORD FESTIVA
200,000 MILES
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RAANDREWS
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When engine idles there is fast tick sound, checked oil is good I believe. I am not sure hot to check oil pressure. Also oil light comes on while car is off!
Jun 14, 2012 at 11:38 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge-remove the oil pressure sending unit-hook it up and start the engine -then read off the pressure if its within specs
Jun 14, 2012 at 11:59 AM
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RAANDREWS
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k and what about lifters
Jun 14, 2012 at 12:07 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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You can never be sure about a lifter noise without disassembling things and inspecting and even then it may not be obvious.
Jun 14, 2012 at 1:17 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Like Wrench said, you have to disassemble things and inspect to determine the problem-possible-excessive valve lash, collasped lifters and worned out camshaft lobes-etc
Jun 14, 2012 at 6:45 PM