Sporadic clicking sound I can't ID

[No Tyme]

2018 LT w/5.3 runs fine, no codes. I was thinking belt tensioner but I'm gonna ask if anyone may have heard this sound before. File is 30 Mg so I had to find another way to share the file. 

Anyone have an opinion?

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/u5OBahrJPN8?

Edited March 1 by No Tyme

[JimCost2014]

6 minutes ago, No Tyme said:

2018 LT w/5.3 runs fine, no codes. I was thinking belt tensioner but I'm gonna ask if anyone may have heard this sound before. File is 30 Mg so I had to find another way to share the file. 

Anyone have an opinion?

 

https://imgur.com/Gj7eO30

Just a shot in the dark without the video, seems like you think the noise is coming from the front of the engine. If so, have you checked the water pump pulley to make sure there is absolutely no play in it?

[No Tyme]

8 minutes ago, JimCost2014 said:

Just a shot in the dark without the video, seems like you think the noise is coming from the front of the engine. If so, have you checked the water pump pulley to make sure there is absolutely no play in it?

I just can't understand how to get this video up with sound. I clicked the link, which just looks like a black box to me on this page, and no sound. 30 Mg video...damn computers

[CamGTP]

Is it only there at idle or does it get louder with RPM.

 

Hard to tell where it's coming from in that video. Taking the belt off would be a start, if it's still there then it's maybe inside the engine or maybe bell housing.

 

I've heard of the clicking/popping sound at idle when it gets up to temp when a headgasket is installed backwards after a major repair but you'd really notice that sound. Installing the gasket backwards blocks a coolant flow port.

[No Tyme]

Had the truck a few years and NO work has been done to the motor. I need to get my coolant changed and new thermostat so I may have to get this serviced at a dealer

[No Tyme]

On 2/28/2026 at 9:24 PM, CamGTP said:

Is it only there at idle or does it get louder with RPM.

 

Today I verified it continues when the engine rpm's increase, as the clicking sound increases with the rpm's.

 

[mjm-1957]

AFM lifter getting ready to come apart.

[MikeBMW]

18 hours ago, mjm-1957 said:

AFM lifter getting ready to come apart.

Sadly, it does hear like lifter(s) meeting the push rods on a failed lifter.
I hope it's not that.

 

Edited March 5 by MikeBMW