Hi = Vanophiles

After hearing a dreaded = new sound emanating from the engine compartment....a clackety-clack type of "oh-oh-what-now" noise, I went back to my files of postings = that I thought might prove useful, and diagnosed (perhaps properly??) that it = was a stuck lifter.

Anyway I tried a = previously recommended ATF infusion and the noise magically vanished.

My question: How long = can 1/2 litre ATF stay in the motor oil? What are the deleterious effects of leaving = it there for a week?

Thanks,

Leo