Ticking Sound Increasing with RPM - Lifter Problem?

Western96 · February 11

My 2017 Silverado started making a faint ticking sound that increases in frequency as RPM increases. I know it is from the engine and not the transmission or suspension because it will do this sitting still in neutral. My oil level and pressure are both in the normal range. Any ideas what this could be? I am worried it is the dreaded lifter failure, which would be not great. My truck only has 61k miles.

Any tips on diagnosing what this is?

Is it safe to drive while this is happening? It seems like some people have driven quite a long time with this issue and have been ok, so I'm not that worried about it. Will I cause more damage if it is a lifter problem?

Edited February 11 by Western96

diyer2 · February 11

If it's a lifter, driving it could lead to lifter failure and more damage.

Get a mechanics stethoscope and listen at valve covers.

Western96 · February 12

3 hours ago, diyer2 said:

If it's a lifter, driving it could lead to lifter failure and more damage.

Get a mechanics stethoscope and listen at valve covers.

Thanks, I will try the mechanics stethoscope and see if I hear anything. The ticking sound is pretty loud when I open the hood and very easy to hear.

tig488 · February 13

same thing is happening to me. remove the valve cover, its not hard. good luck, I'm feeling your pain.

Western96 · February 15

On 2/11/2023 at 5:46 PM, diyer2 said:

If it's a lifter, driving it could lead to lifter failure and more damage.

Get a mechanics stethoscope and listen at valve covers.

I listened to a few things around the engine bay with a mechanic stethoscope and it definitely sounds like it is coming from the rear half of the driver-side valve cover. Was easy to hear even with the plastic valve cover still on.

Western96 · February 21

I took it into the dealer to get repaired. I've done a lot of repairs to my truck myself, including both of the wheel bearing hubs in the front. I think fixing a lifter problem is a little bit above my skill level though, plus I can't even reach the back of the valve cover when standing on the ground. Kind of ridiculous how tall this truck is, I am 6' tall and I still couldn't work on the engine bay of this thing without a step stool.

tig488 · March 9

mine ended up being a non DOD lifter that basically exploded (after driving it for a year while it was clicking) and sent metal thru the engine. now replacing cam bearing, camshaft (which i was doing anyway), going ahead and doing the oil pump, DOD delete with LS7 lifters, and new aftermarket torque converter while its accessible.