Tick in engine when cold starting truck...

[mp2008]

I own a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 5.3L with 116,000 on the odometer and have noticed that when starting it cold, it has a tick/chug in the engine that will go away after about 30 seconds to a minute. I've made the mistake of just starting it up and taking right off and the tick was magnified as I drove away, causing me to stop and wait till it went away. I imagine it has something to do with lack of oil in the top end of the engine but just want to get some advice on it before I have it looked at. Thoughts?

[muddkatt]

Normal...

Piston slap is the term used.

[Daryl LBZ]

A lot of these trucks do this. Nothing to worry about. Dad's 99 does it and with 200k miles it still runs great and carries great oil pressure.

[mp2008]

I've read about the piston slap just wasn't sure if that was the symptoms of it. It really only happens when it's around 35 degrees F and below, any warmer and it really doesn't do it. Thats why I didn't really notice it until this winter. Thanks for the info!

[Daryl LBZ]

It does sound like piston slap to me from your explination.

[muddkatt]

Piston slap is much more noticeable when its cold outside.

[intheburbs]

My '01 5.3 Burb started ticking when cold around 110,000 miles. It's at 220,000 now and still runs fine. Don't worry about it.

[mp2008]

Alright, thanks alot guys. Eases my mind a bit.