Engine Ticking

MitchFromPEI · January 19, 2010

2003, GMC sonoma ZR2 4.3l Vortec.

Well today when I was in town I pulled into a store, all was good. Came back out and started it. I had a loud ticking coming from the engine. I got out and took a look, it sounds like it is coming from the engine itself, but I could be wrong. I find it hard to trace out sounds. If I rev the engine, the ticking goes along with it. It'll last for a few seconds or a minute or two. (seems like the longer the truck is off, the longer it will tick for). It will go away though. Would a valve tick for a bit then stop? Should I try and change my oil out for a different kind. Anywheres I should start? Thanks!

Nytemare · January 19, 2010

Sounds like a lifter. Use a can of GM Engine Oil Supplement and it should go away...or at least get better. Without hearing the noise...in person its hard to tell....could be a lifter, could be a rocker, could be exhaust related.

What brand of oil do you use now...if its really cheap..its probably not good....also if you go to a quick lube shop its just whatever comes in the barrel, and the guy may have screwed up and put too heavy of an oil in.

You may also have a filter on with no anti drain back valve in it...that would cause a ticking sometimes.

Good filter is the AC-Delco one

Good oil...debatable....I like Valvoline, Pennzoil, and Mobil 1 dino oils

I like Mobil 1, Amsoil, and Royal Purple for the synthetics....

Opinions May Vary GREATLY.

MitchFromPEI · January 19, 2010

Sounds like a lifter. Use a can of GM Engine Oil Supplement and it should go away...or at least get better. Without hearing the noise...in person its hard to tell....could be a lifter, could be a rocker, could be exhaust related.

What brand of oil do you use now...if its really cheap..its probably not good....also if you go to a quick lube shop its just whatever comes in the barrel, and the guy may have screwed up and put too heavy of an oil in.

You may also have a filter on with no anti drain back valve in it...that would cause a ticking sometimes.

Good filter is the AC-Delco one

Good oil...debatable....I like Valvoline, Pennzoil, and Mobil 1 dino oils

I like Mobil 1, Amsoil, and Royal Purple for the synthetics....

Opinions May Vary GREATLY.

Great response, i'll get a new filter, and change my oil. How do you add the GM oil suppliment. Change oil and add it in with the new oil?

Nytemare · January 19, 2010

Sounds like a lifter. Use a can of GM Engine Oil Supplement and it should go away...or at least get better. Without hearing the noise...in person its hard to tell....could be a lifter, could be a rocker, could be exhaust related.

What brand of oil do you use now...if its really cheap..its probably not good....also if you go to a quick lube shop its just whatever comes in the barrel, and the guy may have screwed up and put too heavy of an oil in.

You may also have a filter on with no anti drain back valve in it...that would cause a ticking sometimes.

Good filter is the AC-Delco one

Good oil...debatable....I like Valvoline, Pennzoil, and Mobil 1 dino oils

I like Mobil 1, Amsoil, and Royal Purple for the synthetics....

Opinions May Vary GREATLY.

Great response, i'll get a new filter, and change my oil. How do you add the GM oil suppliment. Change oil and add it in with the new oil?

yeah its like 4OZ of oil...you can buy it at most parts stores or dealerships...its about 10 bucks a can.

Redneck56 · January 19, 2010

I had something like that. it was the alternator. i took it in under warranty and they said the alternator had a bent shaft i think it was just eh bearing went.

Nytemare · January 19, 2010

But his truck isn't under warranty...and a 10 dollar bottle of EOS is a cheaper place to start than replacing the alternator.

alwcurlz · January 21, 2010

2003, GMC sonoma ZR2 4.3l Vortec.

Well today when I was in town I pulled into a store, all was good. Came back out and started it. I had a loud ticking coming from the engine. I got out and took a look, it sounds like it is coming from the engine itself, but I could be wrong. I find it hard to trace out sounds. If I rev the engine, the ticking goes along with it. It'll last for a few seconds or a minute or two. (seems like the longer the truck is off, the longer it will tick for). It will go away though. Would a valve tick for a bit then stop? Should I try and change my oil out for a different kind. Anywheres I should start? Thanks!

Sounds like you're another one of the piston slap victims. Join the club!

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kbswear · January 21, 2010

It could be what has already been suggested. But it could also be a injector and the sound will get faster as you rev.

MitchFromPEI · January 21, 2010

Picking up some GM eos, 5w-30 oil (good brand name not synthetic). And a filter with no drain back. See if that fixes it, the oil needs to be changed anyways, so it would be a good spot to start. I'll post back with results.

MitchFromPEI · January 21, 2010

Changed out the oil with acdelco 10w 30. Put in a bottle of EOS, put in a acdelco filter (with back trap according to GM rep). No noise so far. Going to drive into town and get some groceries. I'll let you know then how awesome you are if no tick surfaces

MitchFromPEI · January 21, 2010

Just drove 40km's few stops and starts. No ticking. Hope it doesnt come back! Thanks a pile for you help!

Nytemare · January 21, 2010

Just drove 40km's few stops and starts. No ticking. Hope it doesnt come back! Thanks a pile for you help!

Glad to hear it worked for you. Its a 50/50 chance with this stuff...and I have had lots of luck with it. but like I said...your out 50 bucks for the whole oil change...or less...so its cheapest place to start.