1997 454 Vortec Suburban

[ranbo66]

Let me start by sayong I am new to the forum so please be patient with me. I am also a novice but working hard to learn. Here's my issue:

 

As stated above, I have a 1997 Suburban C2500 with a 454 Vortec. I has 155k miles with the 4l80e tranny. In the past few months, I began to hear a tick on the drivers side from the head. It has now grown much more pronounced at all rpm's. The engine has developed a miss and runs a little rough although my gas mileage is still in the low to mid 13's. I pulled the valve cover and the oil flow is very low. I took it to a mechanic and he looked at it and stated I should ditch the engine or sell the truck. What are the possible causes for the low oil flow at the head? The passenger side head does not tick at all? I think it is the cause of the tick and the miss from lifters not getting enough oil. Oil pressure is very good with 20psi at hot idle and 43-45psi at 2000 rpm. I love this truck. It has served me and my family well. All help would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

Randy Moore