09' 5.3 engine tick at start progressed now check engine light on

[07.5_Z71]

09' 5.3 silverado Z71 with 40,000 miles, had ticking noise only at start until recent. Noticed two days ago the tick noise at start progressed to more of a clatter at start but went away within a few seconds. Today after driving for approximately 15 to 20 miles, heard what I first thought was an exhuast leak from under hood, near driver side. Pulled over and from idle reved engine to pinpoint the problem area. Unsuccesful in doing so, drove away and noticed the noise went away then came back after traveling another 10 or so miles at interstate speeds. Long story short, on my way home, hours later, noise returned followed by check engine light. Prior to arriving home, noise went away again but check engine light remains. Never had single issue with truck and a pavement queen. Did some research finding similar problems diagnosed to be faulty lifters and others including cam issues. Purchased extended warranty through dealership so will be bringing to dealership Tuesday. Im thinking truck should stay parked until that time but this vehicle is my wifes main source of travel.??? Any opinions or advice welcome. Thanks.

[02suburbanZ71]

Perhaps it is a lifter or the camshaft.

[Doug_Scott]

Take a look at the exhaust manifold bolts to see if one or two are "missing". Seem to recall reading on here about exhaust manifolds breaking bolts. Have not heard any possible causes for this. In my mind, I would expect it to be bolts were over torqued at factory and the continuous heat soaking over a few years cause the bolt to snap.

[02suburbanZ71]

09 has the new design for manifold bolts

[Doug_Scott]

09 has the new design for manifold bolts

 

Any idea if it applied to all 09 trucks and not just the ones made after a certain date?

[02suburbanZ71]

 

Any idea if it applied to all 09 trucks and not just the ones made after a certain date?

It should. I believe they used the new design starting in 2005 but dont hold me to it

[07.5_Z71]

Do these trucks have a low oil indicator or add engine oil on the cluster?? Checked engine oil today and found it was low, hardly registered on dipstick. Clueless as to why this truck used that much oil since last oil change.

[Jsdirt]

'09 was a bad year for these engines .....

 

www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/127812-is-your-gmt-900-truck-or-suv-using-oil

[Prokopchuk_9]

What code is it