Engine tick from driver side of engine?

GM MAN VINCE · April 8, 2017

After my truck is warm it develops a tick on the driver side of the motor. It's definitely not the direct injection as I know what it sounds like and this only happens when the truck gets warm. It's not a bad tick but I notice it. I was thinking maybe it's the vacuum pump but I would assume it would tick all the time not just when warm. My truck is tuned and has been in v8 mode it's whole life so getting the dealer to look at it maybe a iffy situation as you and I both know it would automatically be blamed on the tune.

DorkWeedCashMeOutside · April 8, 2017

I hear something coming from driver side it annoys the living poop out of me like a tick but I only notice it in 4cylinder. 12k miles.

15_silverado · April 8, 2017

After my truck is warm it develops a tick on the driver side of the motor. It's definitely not the direct injection as I know what it sounds like and this only happens when the truck gets warm. It's not a bad tick but I notice it. I was thinking maybe it's the vacuum pump but I would assume it would tick all the time not just when warm. My truck is tuned and has been in v8 mode it's whole life so getting the dealer to look at it maybe a iffy situation as you and I both know it would automatically be blamed on the tune.

Get a mechanics stethoscope. Real cheap at harbor freight. Put it on the vacuum pump and listen. Also listen at other areas.

If it is the vacuum pump, they should not be able to blame that on a tune. If it's a lifter tick then your probably screwed on Warranty. Let us know what you find out.

http://m.harborfreight.com/mechanics-stethoscope-69913.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

NomadicCPO · April 9, 2017

Have the same issue since the day I bought it. Doesn't show up until about 30 minutes of highway driving, then eventually goes away. Not super concerned at this point...just a minor annoyance so far.

beetle · April 9, 2017

OP, just a thought.....make sure your spark plug cables are securely attached especially at the coil. A loose one will make a ticking sound.

GM MAN VINCE · April 9, 2017

OP, just a thought.....make sure your spark plug cables are securely attached especially at the coil. A loose one will make a ticking sound.

This was the first thing I checked man putting a stethoscope on it in the morning.

GM MAN VINCE · April 9, 2017

The clicking noise is coming from my vacuum pump. I just put two long socket extensions together and listened to everything this morning. Cylinder heads, exhaust, intake all sound good. As soon as I stuck it on the vacuum pump all you can hear is click click click.

DPetry94 · April 9, 2017

Where is the vacuum pump located?

15_silverado · April 9, 2017

Where is the vacuum pump located?

Bottom, front, driver's side of engine.

It has its own separate belt running it's pulley.

The clicking noise is coming from my vacuum pump. I just put two long socket extensions together and listened to everything this morning. Cylinder heads, exhaust, intake all sound good. As soon as I stuck it on the vacuum pump all you can hear is click click click.

So are you going to take it to the dealer?

If so, please let us Know what they say.

GM MAN VINCE · April 9, 2017

Yes I think I am I've been reading and it looks like when these pumps fail they put metal shavings in the oil and cause engine failure. In this case it would be good for me as my truck is tuned.

15_silverado · April 9, 2017

Yes, that's correct. Some vac pump failures have lead to complete engine failure. Let us know what the dealer says please.

GM MAN VINCE · April 10, 2017

Found this image on google looks like there is a screen where the oil passage is. Would this not collect debris if the pump did decide to fail?

DPetry94 · April 19, 2017

Are you hearing this noise all of the time? It sounds like the same noise I've got on my truck, except mine comes and goes. Sometimes it makes the noise. Sometimes it doesn't.

NW-99SS · April 21, 2017

Subscribed, heard a light ticking noise once the other day on my '17 6.2 Denali.

ValidUsername · April 22, 2017

We had a pretty comprehensive thread on this awhile back, I just read through it real quick but it doesn't look like any solution was ever reached. My '15 does this as well, seems more likely under light throttle and only when it's in drive. Been pretty intermittent lately though so I haven't paid as much attention. Definitely an annoyance.

Linked the other thread here:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/188701-engine-tick-2015-gmc-sierra-53/