Just developed a loud lifter tick

yz2009 · January 21, 2015

Ive got a 2004 Sierra 5.3 with 138k miles. On startup ive always had what i would consider pretty loud lifter tick for the first 10-30 seconds when its cold. After that it pretty much goes away. I could always hear a lifter tick even when warm coming from the passenger side but it was never enough to worry me.

Tonight i started up the truck to leave work (30 degrees F out) and there was real loud lifter tick. It kept up and stayed the same until the truck warmed up to about 180 degrees then tick instantly went away.

Im thinking ive got a partially clogged lifter and when the oil warmed up enough it pushed whatever was in there through and made the tick go away. I know the heads have to be pulled to get to the lifters and i would rather not get that far into my engine. Ive seen youtube videos where the valve cover is pulled and the pushrods pulled out and you spray something like carb cleaner down into the lifters then run some engine cleaner in your oil. I know most people say dont put cleaner in your oil it can remove sludge and create more problems but in this case im wondering if its worth a try.

I didnt get any videos but in the morning i will get some and post them up. FWIW ive been changing my oil every 3-4k since my truck had about 80k on it. Regular dyno oil its whole life

00Silverado4x4 · January 21, 2015

To start with, oil level good?

Then, exhaust manifold bolts broken?

Then, exhaust leak after manifolds?

Finally, famous GM piston slap? http://pistonslap.com/

yz2009 · January 21, 2015

Oil was changed 1000 miles about and is good level I check it T every fill up.

Manifolds are good

After reading it does sound like others versions of piston slap it's just strange this has never happened to me and all of a sudden starts.

And a follow up this morning at 15 degrees F I started the truck and it acted as it usually does. Loud ticking (maybe piston slap) for the first 10-20 seconds then quiets right down and just my usual faint lifter tick.

Can bad piston slap like what I had happen last night be a one time occurrence? I kinda thought it would do it every time if it was piston slap

durandetto · January 22, 2015

I would almost put money on one of the rear manifold studs being broken. I would double check that before assuming engine problems.

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j-ten-ner · January 22, 2015

My old 07 Sierra developed a lifter tick what turned out to be a loose spark plug.

Pretty rare I guess but worth checking.

so long

j-ten-ner

ddpease · January 24, 2015

Had this issue as well as a drop in oil pressure. My ticking wouldn't go away til engine got to about 210. Took in to a dealer for them to diagnose an internal issue for the pressure drop and the cam lobes worn down for the ticking. Putting in a used engine with only 30,000 miles.

'05 Sierra CC 5.3L 2WD 175,000 miles

rdnkcpa · January 24, 2015

Do a search for Castech head problems. I have a 2004 and experienced a loud lifter tick as well. Turned out the heads were bad. Have you been losing any coolant but do not see any drips on the ground? My truck had 119k when the heads went south.

Check all the easy stuff first, loose spark plugs, broken exhaust manifold bolts. If they are all ok, pop the valve covers off and see if you have any of the Dexcool/Oil mixture.

Good luck.