Sparking Sound Around Coil Pack

Chris Crump · April 12, 2016

I have a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado with A 5.3, it has 240,000 miles on it. At times when I'm at idle i can hear a tick/sparking sound. When it makes the sound you can feel the truck kind of lose some power at idle. Like it is missing a cylinder. I know the miles are high, but I had it pressured checked and it was fine and my oil pressure is 60 at 2000 RPM. I checked last night and could not see any sparking around the coil packs or plug wires. I thought about just changing plug wires and spark plugs, I have not done it for the 30,000 miles I have had it, but I was wondering has anyone had any issues like this? Hearing a spark but not seeing one. Like I said I only hear it at idle, but could be happening when driving. Truck has power when accelerating and such. Any ideas?

newdude · April 12, 2016

Done a compression test? Could have a lifter on its way out.

Chris Crump · April 12, 2016

Done a compression test? Could have a lifter on its way out.

I have not, but it is not a loud tick like a lifter. It is kinda of quiet. I know lifter noise is usually pretty loud, but this sounds just like an arc jumping to a ground. I have some lifter noise for about 3 seconds on real cold starts. But i have not done a compression test. Also, it is not constant. It will do it for like 5 seconds then not do it. It is never consistent. Thats why i thought a bare wire maybe be shifting and touching somewhere.

00Silverado4x4 · April 12, 2016

Odd suggestion but cheap and easy, pull all your wires and spray WD-40 in each end and reinstall. See what that does.

rjgti · April 12, 2016

take a water bottle and mist around the wires, you will find it fast

Chris Crump · April 13, 2016

take a water bottle and mist around the wires, you will find it fast

I tried the water trick with no luck. I did not see a spare nor did I ever hear the noise. It only happens sometimes at idle.

rjgti · April 13, 2016

could be a carbon track down the porcelin of a plug arcing

JTC701 · August 24, 2016

Did you ever find out what this noise was? I have a 07 Silverado NBS with 5.3 that just started making a very similar noise. So curious if you pin pointed problem? My guess is coil or wire?