5.3 Liter Engine Lifter Tick, how long have you been driving your truck with noisy lifters?

[DonM32170]

On 3/15/2026 at 5:43 PM, richard wysong said:

Are you sure it is a lifter you hear and not an exhaust leak? Broken manifold bolts are common and sound just like a lifter tick until it heats up then it goes away

This is how mine does, when it does it. It's only here and there. When it happens, it is pretty loud sitting idle, but will go away. Mostly though, so far, it's not making that noise. 

[Jworks]

On 4/16/2026 at 7:47 PM, johnnyquick said:

Purolator 1 is a great filter, I get mine on amazon.

Check your spark plug wire carefully going to that cylinder and be sure it is pushed on securely to the plug.

Good idea.  I'll do that.  I'm pretty sure they wires are on there good but I will check

[Jworks]

Several years.  I'd say 4.  But the tick isn't always there but when it is its a startup and goes away after the motor is fully warmed up.