Startup noise. Oil?

tom3 · April 5, 2021

New member, thanks for the add.

Our 2019 with the 5.3 V8. After sitting a couple days and somewhat cold weather here on the first startup for the day I get a second or so of engine rattle. Not a piston slap or main bearing rattle but a trashy sounding clattering. Hard to describe. Now at 12,000 miles and I'm going for a third oil change. Would a better oil help this than the usual Dexos? I see a Dexos 2 oil out now. I also see a Dexos 1 version 2 that I guess is for little turbo motors, pretty sure that's not what I'd want for the V8 here. This would be a dealer service (until the warranty runs out) so I'm stuck with what they have. Any opinions or suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

BlancoSilverado · April 5, 2021

A little bit of noise on initial start up on a motor that has been sitting for awhile is fine. if that noise continues for more than a few(7ish) seconds, check the oil level.

The oil has drained back and needs to fill all the galleys back up before the bearings/rockers receive oil. That is the noise, usually there is a film that will protect the bearings until the oil arrives.

newdude · April 5, 2021

1 hour ago, tom3 said:

New member, thanks for the add.

Our 2019 with the 5.3 V8. After sitting a couple days and somewhat cold weather here on the first startup for the day I get a second or so of engine rattle. Not a piston slap or main bearing rattle but a trashy sounding clattering. Hard to describe. Now at 12,000 miles and I'm going for a third oil change. Would a better oil help this than the usual Dexos? I see a Dexos 2 oil out now. I also see a Dexos 1 version 2 that I guess is for little turbo motors, pretty sure that's not what I'd want for the V8 here. This would be a dealer service (until the warranty runs out) so I'm stuck with what they have. Any opinions or suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

Its mostly a normal deal so long as it goes away after about 5-7 minutes or before that. Only seems to do it on 2019+current engines mostly.

The oil your truck already uses is Dexos 1 Gen 2 which is formulated to combat Low Speed Pre Ignition (LSPI) found in GDI engines and has added turbocharger protection for gas engines.

Dexos2 is GM's light duty diesel oil spec and the spec for LT1/LT4 engines in Camaro and Corvette as its approved by GM for road and track use without needing to swap oil for track days.

See bulletin below on tick.

Quote

#19-NA-218: Ticking Noise from the Engine - (Dec 16, 2020).

2019-2021 with gas V8

Condition

Some customers may comment that they hear a ticking noise coming from the engine when cold.

This ticking noise will mainly occur during the first initial start in the morning.

Cause

This condition may be caused by a lifter not having a sufficient amount of oil during cold start operation (not pumped up).

Correction

To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure below.

Allow the engine to sit overnight.

Note: You may need to allow 5-7 minutes to confirm.

Start the vehicle and listen for a tick noise.

If a tick noise is present, proceed to the next step.

If a tick noise is NOT present after running engine for at least 5 to 7 minutes, release the vehicle back to the customer.

Drive the vehicle through the DFM modes.

Check for any misfire DTCs and record:

If DTCs are found, refer to SI for diagnosis.

If no DTCs are found and noise still persists, operate the engine through cylinder Deactivation test to isolate the cylinder with the concern.

If the noise has been isolated, inspect for a bent pushrod and/or collapsed lifter.

If the pushrods are found to be in working condition, replace the lifters on the affected banks. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement in SI.

Edited April 5, 2021 by newdude

Moledigger2019 · April 5, 2021

It's the oil pump and is considered normal.

tom3 · April 6, 2021

Thanks for the info. Service department didn't have the Mobil 1 in the right weight so it was changed with the Dexos1 oil. Service write up calls it synthetic? But I'm guessing that with the 0w20 oil some cold start noise might be normal as you say. I'm pretty old school, engine rattle is usually bad except for loose cold forged pistons. Had 4000 miles on the old oil, curious if the fresh oil will make a difference. Thanks again. Tom.

newdude · April 6, 2021

2 hours ago, tom3 said:

Thanks for the info. Service department didn't have the Mobil 1 in the right weight so it was changed with the Dexos1 oil. Service write up calls it synthetic? But I'm guessing that with the 0w20 oil some cold start noise might be normal as you say. I'm pretty old school, engine rattle is usually bad except for loose cold forged pistons. Had 4000 miles on the old oil, curious if the fresh oil will make a difference. Thanks again. Tom.

Yes Dexos 1 gen 2 oils are all full synthetic.

redwngr · April 6, 2021

10 hours ago, tom3 said:

New member, thanks for the add.

Our 2019 with the 5.3 V8. After sitting a couple days and somewhat cold weather here on the first startup for the day I get a second or so of engine rattle. Not a piston slap or main bearing rattle but a trashy sounding clattering. Hard to describe. Now at 12,000 miles and I'm going for a third oil change. Would a better oil help this than the usual Dexos? I see a Dexos 2 oil out now. I also see a Dexos 1 version 2 that I guess is for little turbo motors, pretty sure that's not what I'd want for the V8 here. This would be a dealer service (until the warranty runs out) so I'm stuck with what they have. Any opinions or suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

Dexos2 is a diesel spec oil, not a 'new' gas engine oil.

List of oils approved to Dexos1 Gen2, (latest Dexos1 version), Dexos2 ( a diesel spec for some diesels) and DexosD (used for the 3.0L diesel)

https://www.gmdexos.com/brands/dexos1/index.html

Edited April 6, 2021 by redwngr