2009 Sierra 5.3L ticking solved (twice), Loose Spark Plugs!

[diy_darryl]

Hey all,

 

I am no stranger to doing maintenance at 54 years old. Replaced my plugs last year (2015) and although I didn't torque them I gave them the good old nice and snug tightening that has never failed for all of my years.

 

Fast forward a ways and my truck developed the dreaded ticking that sounds like a lifter issue this past summer. It is using oil also (not related to spark plug change, just throwing that out there).

 

I had convinced myself I had a lifter issue but while troubleshooting with a stethoscope I noticed a spark plug wiggling. WTF???? Found it really loose (no misfires though), tightened it up and was good to go.

 

Winter came and would get a slight ticking at start up and again wrongly assumed a lifter problem. Finally decided to tackle it and thought why not? Checked the plugs first and found another slightly loose one. Re-checked all 8 and now she is purring like a kitten again with 146K on the odometer.

 

I can't remember if I bought Bosch or NGK. Has anyone else had these issues? Did the parts house give me the wrong plugs?

 

As far as the oil consumption, I have a Range Technology AFM Delete Module on the way to give it a try.

 

If it happens again I am changing out the plugs once more and pulling out the ole Snap-On torque Wrench!

[burnt03]

I had the same issue on my 07 4.8L. I had AC delcos, torqued to spec and they came loose about a week later (2 or 3 of them). Did what you did, the nice and snug technique, and they've been good ever since

[GMCsierra6o]

This was my problem at 162,000 miles also! Just look for spark plug heat shield having a little extra soot and you'll know what one is loose. Solved! Thought I was in for a bad lifter or an exhaust leak chase down.