[Oregoon]

A collapsed lifter will tick to beat hell at idle--loud and sharp--and it can decrease as RPM increases, though usually it sounds like a sewing machine. The point I was making is that you have hydraulic lifters and a tired motor. Who is to say how much crud is is in there? By using additives or solvents you'll plug oil passages, and/or knock sludge loose and only wind up shortneing the life of your already aging motor. Additives are quick fixes... As the saying goes: Fast, cheap and easy. Pick any two.

If you have a tired motor, there's really no saying what's happening though it's a safe bet that it's not good. They have a wear cycle, and eventually wear out... I wish I could give you a band-aid repair that would get you through until funds allow a solution. And if I did, I'd sell it cheap and retire a billionaire.

I've been in your spot too many times, and it's a real pinch. Best bet is to simply treat it as well as you can and start squirreling some coin away until you can afford a proper rebuild.