6.2L engine with lifter noise, but no error codes

6kjt5 · May 2, 2022

I have a 2016 Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 L engine. Until four months ago it was fantastic. Four months a go it suddenly started making the dreaded lifter noise. The noise is louder when first started and then quiets down some, but does not go away after about 30 min of driving. its hase never been lowon oil and i use fill synthetic. I took it to the dealer for some warranty work and pointed out the noise. They said to bring it back in a few weeks to see if there were any misfire codes. I took it to another shop and the mechanic said that he could hear the noise, but could not tell which cylinder. Since there were no misfire codes, he said to keep driving and come back later to check for codes. I stopped by an auto store the other day to use their code reader to see if any error codes had developed.....No codes, no misfire codes, NOTHING. Any recommendations?

Big_Kahuna · May 2, 2022

47 minutes ago, 6kjt5 said:

I have a 2016 Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 L engine. Until four months ago it was fantastic. Four months a go it suddenly started making the dreaded lifter noise. The noise is louder when first started and then quiets down some, but does not go away after about 30 min of driving. its hase never been lowon oil and i use fill synthetic. I took it to the dealer for some warranty work and pointed out the noise. They said to bring it back in a few weeks to see if there were any misfire codes. I took it to another shop and the mechanic said that he could hear the noise, but could not tell which cylinder. Since there were no misfire codes, he said to keep driving and come back later to check for codes. I stopped by an auto store the other day to use their code reader to see if any error codes had developed.....No codes, no misfire codes, NOTHING. Any recommendations?

just a curious what kind of motor oil you use ?

CamGTP · May 2, 2022

I highly doubt you will ever get an error code for lifter noise.

You'll only get a code once something fails. Like when a lifter is stuck and that cylinder stops working completely.

newdude · May 2, 2022

2 hours ago, 6kjt5 said:

I have a 2016 Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 L engine. Until four months ago it was fantastic. Four months a go it suddenly started making the dreaded lifter noise. The noise is louder when first started and then quiets down some, but does not go away after about 30 min of driving. its hase never been lowon oil and i use fill synthetic. I took it to the dealer for some warranty work and pointed out the noise. They said to bring it back in a few weeks to see if there were any misfire codes. I took it to another shop and the mechanic said that he could hear the noise, but could not tell which cylinder. Since there were no misfire codes, he said to keep driving and come back later to check for codes. I stopped by an auto store the other day to use their code reader to see if any error codes had developed.....No codes, no misfire codes, NOTHING. Any recommendations?

Have you checked for broken exhaust manifold bolts?

A collapsed AFM lifter would be showing a misfire. A worn lifter roller/cam lobe will likely make a metallic squeak.

Can you post a video of the noise, from the cold start and then running for a minute or two?

6kjt5 · May 3, 2022

Here is a recording of the engins from cold start to 2min 30 sec at about 1:30 i reved the engine up to 1200-1500rpm

6kjt5 · May 3, 2022

Dealer did the first oil changes with Delco semi and full syn oil. I now use Mobil 1

Here is a recording of the engins from cold start to 2min 30 sec at about 1:30 i reved the engine up to 1200-1500rpm

CamGTP · May 6, 2022

Yup, that's lifter noise alright. It could make that noise for a long time still or it will just keep getting worse.

But like the independent mechanic said, it really is not possible to tell what cylinder that is coming from right now. You'd only find something if you took it all apart and found damage to the lifter roller or camshaft lobe.

BlancoSilverado · May 6, 2022

I trust CamGTP enough,

My mothers suburban with 175kmiles that has the oil change 4-5kmile interval had some sludge(tiny amount). I would try a few oil flushes/ extremely fast change interval for a few oil changes, 500 miles, posssibly use a half of a quart of trans fluid to help.

6kjt5 · May 11, 2022

A problem waiting to happen........not fun

Snakes709 · May 18, 2022

I brought my truck (2019 6.2/10speed at4) in for a rough downshift from 4-3. I got called 2 hours later about a failed lifter, never caused a check engine light and sounded like that. Dealership discovered a failed lifter and bent push rod. They got permission from gm to replace both banks of lifters. Got the truck back yesterday and runs like new.