5.3l Ticking

[redrabbit]

Hi everyone,

 

This issue has probably already been discused on here, but I was unable to find a topic on it yet....My 02 Silverado, 5.3L has a very distingishable ticking sound on start up when cold. It fades away as the engine heats up, but you can still pick it out of the engine sound. If I dont allow the engine to warm up before I drive it is very loud when throttle is applied. Is this the piston slap I have heard so much about? or an oil issue on cold start? Maybe a heavier oil should be used, I have 125,000 KM on it. Thanks

[music]

Hi everyone,

 

This issue has probably already been discused on here, but I was unable to find a topic on it yet....My 02 Silverado, 5.3L has a very distingishable ticking sound on start up when cold. It fades away as the engine heats up, but you can still pick it out of the engine sound. If I dont allow the engine to warm up before I drive it is very loud when throttle is applied. Is this the piston slap I have heard so much about? or an oil issue on cold start? Maybe a heavier oil should be used, I have 125,000 KM on it. Thanks

 

I wouldn't describe "piston slap" as a tick... it's more of a "tap/knock" to me, but we may mean something different. If lifters... heavier oil isn't the answer. Hydraulic lifters require the correct weight oil to work correctly.

[jblakeney]

Last oil change was????

 

Quite possibly could be nothing to worry about. Get some fresh oil and filter in it.... Then see what it does.

 

Jbo

[Ryoku89]

I've had this happen to me a few times as well, been going on for a while. My truck is still running good though.

[redrabbit]

Last oil change was????

 

Quite possibly could be nothing to worry about. Get some fresh oil and filter in it.... Then see what it does.

 

Jbo

 

 

Last change was just under 5000 KM ago, I change every 5000 KM...It has done this since I got it, and just has gotten worse. I always use 5W30, and have just recently changed to semi sythetic, to try something new. No change in HP, although its time for a new fuel filter. I've been told its normal, and they all do the same thing.

[Ranger482]

It's piston slap. My dad's 2002 suburban does the same thing on a cold start. He runs 5w-30 Amsoil. Let it warm up for a minute at idle until the slap dies off and then drive off. He's got 160,000 miles on his and it is still running strong. It's annoying, but that's all as far as I can tell.

[jasonh277]

120,000 so far and still running. Mine does same thing.....

[redrabbit]

Thats what I figured, thanks guys. Your right, its more annoying than anything, but she's still runnin strong

[fast86gn]

I have an 01 ext, z71 with 220k, same noisy lifters, otherwise no issues, drives perfect, I have tried every additive known, nothing seems to help,

[oldmann]

Just tell people it runs like a clock. tick, tick, tick

[gutty96]

Yup, my 02 does the same thing. Has as long as I have owned it.

[ken1mod]

Gentlemen,

 

Lots of cars do this now. The diagnostic point is that it goes away rather quickly, 30 seconds or so. I guess the point is, do you want the correct running tolerances when ice cold for 30 seconds or for the rest of the day. My 5.3 with 160k on it sounds like junk for 30 seconds then gets quiet as an electric motor. I can live with that.

 

If it really bothers you, go to a thicker oil.

 

Ken

[xc80002]

my 08 did the samething, sound like a lack of oil to the top of the engine. My buddies 3/4 hd with a 6.0 did it all the time, until i added 3 quarts of oil, He had money and just didnt care.