2003 Suburban 1500 Engine noise

[Hobbes525]

Hello -

 

Not sure if this is the best place for this but I am looking into possible cause of light fluttering/ticking noise that sounds like its coming from the driver side of the engine compartment. I have a 2003 Suburban 1500.  The noise started out of the blue on our way back on a road trip.  The best way to describe it is as a ticking noise.  Nothing knocking and i don't feel any vibrations.  Its most noticeable at start-up and for about the first few miles of driving, once the truck is warmed up it seems to go away.  While cold the ticking noise goes faster as I accelerate.  

 

Not sure if the description is helpful but trying to get some ideas of where to look.

 

Thanks

[txab]

Could be exhaust manifold leak. This has been somewhat common on GMT 800 series. You might even look at the manifolds and find one or two bolt heads broken off.

 

Also the 800 series had it's share of piston slap noise that was noticeable at startup.

 

Then there is the possibility of a lifter that is slow to pressure up

[Jet-X]

If broken exhaust manifold bolts are your problem, there are retrofit kits out there to remedy it.  This is the one I used.  It's for the drivers side, rear.  I think Dorman makes one, as well.  

 

https://kralautoparts.com/product/exhaust-manifold-bolt-repair-kit-kap169

[davester]

There's two different models of the exhaust clamps.  Which one to get depends on which end of the head needs to be clamped.  For my '04 Sierra/6.0, I put on 3, and managed to get the last broken off bolt out of the head (which was necessary, as the clamp for that bolt wouldn't work, because of an accessory bolted to the front of the engine was in the way).