'97 Rodeo Questions

Let me start by saying that I am still a n00b when it comes to cars and as such not really confident getting under the hood. However, that being said, I have a couple of questions.

The infamous tapping noise has started on my Passport. I have searched this forum and found some good things to try, but I want to make sure before I do. Some info on my Passport; the tapping is constant, though it is noticebly louder at startup and dies down a little when it warms up. Timing belt and tensioner replaced about 3k miles ago. EGR replaced, though I don't know when, still looks nice and new to me. Vehicle has 103000 miles on it. I added some additive to the oil (forget which one right now, but one that was recommended here), but that did not stop the tapping. I added fuel injector cleaner on a full tank of gas, still did not stop. Here are my questions:

1) I have seen posts about going to a synthetic oil (like Royal Purple) but some mechanics have told me this is not a good idea if the car does not run on synthetic now. Is this a safe thing to do? Or do I risk really screwing up the enging with that? Should I go to a synthetic blend first for maybe 3 or 6k miles b4 going to a full synthetic?

2) The EGR cleaning I have seen posted here (thanx for those instructions) seem fairly easy to follow, but is it something that a person of my very limited familiarity should do? (To clarify my knowledge, assume I know nothing, lol) Would I need to purchase any specialty tools?

I realize this may seem like basic questions for some of you and appreciate your time and responses. Thank you.

Jay I wouldn't worry too much about the EGR system on your 1997. The 1993-1997's are way less problematic than the 1998+ and have a totally different (feedback) system. As far as the ticking goes, you could try running engine flush prodructs (seafoam, GUNK, etc..) I personally would just keep up on oil changes, use a quality 5w-30 and a GOOD oil filter (napa, carquest, purolator, isuzu). The lash adjuster tick comes/goes with these engines.
G/luck
Joel

Thank you very much! Will keep things real simple for this engine n00b!

I personally would just keep up on oil changes, use a quality 5w-30 and a GOOD oil filter (napa, carquest, purolator, isuzu)......



What that means is not Penzoil oil and not Fram oil filters. Both are crap. I recomend Napa oil and filters. The oil is Valvoline (very good) and their filters are made by Wix (also very good) and the prices are very reasonable.

Thanx Cat, NAPA will be my next stop. I appreciate the time you took to respond.