Ticking sound. Sometimes there, sometimes not

[Jworks]

2011 Sierra SLT 4x4, 5.3 engine, 144k miles.  Sometimes I hear an engine ticking sound when idling, sometimes (probably most of the time) I don't.  I'm retired, 75, don't drive as much as I use to so it sits a lot.  Usually I'll go for days without cranking the truck, more so with gas prices as they are.  I told an independent mechanic about it, though he hasn't listened to it, he said lots of Chevs/GMCs have that.  He called it the "Chevy piston slap".  I kind of doubt that since I don't always hear it.  Anyone had experience with this? 

Edited July 4, 2022 by Jworks

[richard wysong]

lifter noise is more common on the 53s than piston slap

[Jworks]

43 minutes ago, richard wysong said:

lifter noise is more common on the 53s than piston slap

 

Richard, I was thinking about trying Seafoam (in case it is lifter noise).  I've been reading up on it.  Maybe pouring some in the crankcase might work.  Have you had any experience with it?

[evad]

you might want to check for broken exhaust manifold bolts

[richard wysong]

piston slap was common on the 5.7s, not the 5.3s. lifter noise/failure is common on 5.3s . I don't know if it's worth replacing 1 loud lifter but maybe someone else with more experience will respond. my friend has a 2017 doing the same thing that's under extended warrantee but I don't think he's taken it in to be fixed yet

[richard wysong]

Evad is correct, broken exhaust manifold bolts are also common on 5.3s and mimic engine noises. seafoam can't hurt it so it's worth a try

[CamGTP]

Early LS engines had more piston slap issues than the later ones. Like 99-02 era 4.8/5.3's etc etc.

 

I'd look at exhaust manifold bolts and if that is not it, just ignore it completely. There is really nothing you can do about it, lifter noise is super common to hear on these trucks.

[swathdiver]

14 hours ago, Jworks said:

2011 Sierra SLT 4x4, 5.3 engine, 144k miles.  Sometimes I hear an engine ticking sound when idling, sometimes (probably most of the time) I don't.  I'm retired, 75, don't drive as much as I use to so it sits a lot.  Usually I'll go for days without cranking the truck, more so with gas prices as they are.  I told an independent mechanic about it, though he hasn't listened to it, he said lots of Chevs/GMCs have that.  He called it the "Chevy piston slap".  I kind of doubt that since I don't always hear it.  Anyone had experience with this? 

 

My motor was more noisy running Mobil One oil than it is now running ACDelco's Full Synthetic.  Analysis of the oil showed less wear too.  An exhaust leak, depending on where it is, can sound like a bad lifter.

 

If she sits a lot, consider putting a battery tender on it to keep the battery charged up and conditioned.

[diyer2]

I would switch to a better quality oil and shorten OCI's. Amsoil?

[16LT4]

Mobil 1 oils have some of the highest additive packs going, and are generally "loud" oils anyway.  Every engine I've ever used them in runs louder, including my normally sewing-machine smooth and quiet N52 BMW; UOAs are perfectly fine and the engines are not damaged, the oils are just loud.  My ACVW is a little loud on #3 and #4 inside the rocker cover, and I'm running 5w-40 M1 Euro FS in that because its got the highest ZDDP of any quality FS oil.  That said, M1 oils do typically show more intake valve CBU on DI engines because of the additive pack.

 

My friend pulled the cams and heads on his '04 5.3  at around 200k miles due to some lifter tick, and found the fuel-pump driving lobe on the cam to be wiped and scored.  That was nice rabbit hole to go down.  30k miles later, he's hearing a very slight tick from the top end, that varies with type of oil used.  He's up around 250k now.  Sometimes noises, like on my ACVW, are inevitable when the miles pile on.

Edited July 5, 2022 by 16LT4

[customboss]

Some R&D background on engine lubes, engines, and associated sounds. 

 

Some engine oils do use sound absorbing chemistries;  for example, Schaeffer uses super fine PTFE in their micron moly additive formulation that is patented. It also provides great sliding wear protection.

 

 

Mobil 1 and Amsoil use nearly identical additive packages purchased from infineum.  Where those formulations differ is base oils, VII, PPD, dispersants. Amsoil in general in the latest testing I have seen and done is still beating Mobil1 Advanced formulations in same viscosities in same engines. Amsoil has stepped out chemically and is using cutting edge bio and exotic oil soluble PAG's base oils that really stand out and clean more than in past.  XOM Mobil1 Extreme Protection is a Amsoil using only XOM additives and is good but not as effective as Amsoil Signature Series but in our GM engines even Amsoil OE is super effective because of the unique additives even with GRP III base. 

 

Gasoline deposits do unweight pistons in every DI engine ESPECIALLY those with variable piston management systems. Those deposits are carbon "blacky" stuff, and shellac and in high heat areas varnishes.  They will change lubrication ability of the engine oil if it's skating on shellac or varnish. 

 

CBU is not a term I have heard or used but I have been mostly retired since 2020.  If indicating valve deposits,  fuel residuals  is THE majority contributor to valve deposits, regardless of why there are those fuels residuals available to deposit instead of burning off cleaning in the combustion chamber. 

 

As several posters here have attested subjective sound increases and M1 don't necessarily = higher wear. 

 

If you like lower cost and Exxon Mobil brand chemistries check out Mobil FULL SYNTHETIC vs Mobil1. Its what Dexos1 gen 3 5w30 AcDelco is currently.  You can buy it on sale at Dollar General at very reasonable prices. Getting Gen 3 capability with a MAJORITY GRP IV, minority GRP III base.  Based on what I know about that new chemistry it will inhibit sound too.  This is why the one of the posters here said his newer Ac Delco sounded quieter than Mobil1 I suspect. 

 

See attachments and enjoy better lubrication! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PDS Mobil-Full-Synthetic-.pdf SDS Dexos 3 5w30 SP:GF6a Mob full syn 1012707.pdf

[dna9656]

I had lifter noise in my 06 5.3, I tried all the old school remedies for stuck lifters, tranny fluid in the oil, BG stuff, new rockers (because I read somewhere the needle bearings were falling out of the rockers) other snake oils. What finally fixed it was a new O ring on the oil pick up tube. The original O ring shrinks with age/heat and allows air into the oil pump (cavitation) and oil starvation.

The fix is to replace the O ring.

What I did because I

was in there anyway: Replaced oil pick up tube.

                                    Added 2nd collar that holds the pick up tube to the oil pump.

                                    Replaced oil pump with High Volume pump from Melling.

                                    Replaced timing chain and sprockets (you supposed to

                                    remove the T chain cover anyway because it has a

                                    common sealing surface with the oil pan.

                                    Cleaned everything; even removed casting splatter from inside

                                    surface of the oil pan!

                                    RESULTS: No lifter noise, 40 PSI oil pressure at idle (fully

                                    warmed up engine)

                                    20 + MPG on the highway.

                                    Smoother idle.

 

Edited July 5, 2022 by dna9656

[Jworks]

The last two days that ticking sound is gone. So, I have no idea.  My best (guess) is if it comes back it will probably go out with the next oil & filter change.

[Jworks]

5 hours ago, Jworks said:

The last two days that ticking sound is gone. So, I have no idea.  My best (guess) is if it comes back it will probably go out with the next oil & filter change.

customboss, meaning that if there is some sludge or dirty particles in there making a lifter sound off or maybe a valve sticking it'll flush out with the oil change.  Thats...maybe.

[customboss]

12 hours ago, Jworks said:

customboss, meaning that if there is some sludge or dirty particles in there making a lifter sound off or maybe a valve sticking it'll flush out with the oil change.  Thats...maybe.

Thanks, I see.   Its not gonna be particles from my experience, it might be shellac or varnish formed on the valvetrain components and sticking the lifter from rotating in bore OR affecting stick- slip, traction coefficients enough to talk out loud.  Or just plain interrupting the lubricant chemistry from doing its job.   Usually fuel dilution caused.  An oil change might help but making sure you are sucking clean un inhibited air, sparking, fueling, firing clean will do more to help.