Help with clicking in engine

bwolsen · May 11, 2004

I need help with my truck. Just recently, my truck started making a loud clicking noise when it started and would stop once the engine was warm. I initially thought it could be a manifold gasket (or flange). however, i replaced these and the noise persists.

I then took a stethascope and probed closer finding that the noise appears to be a steady click that changes with engine speed. i also found that the noise appears to be coming more from the drivers side of the engine block than anywhere else.

i can't tell fo sure but it almost seems that it is coming from the front near where the spark plug is.

any help would be appreciated.

Valsport · May 11, 2004

I have this exact same noise on my 2001 5.3 Liter. It sounds like valvetrain noise to me.

coyotekid · May 11, 2004

This kinda sounds like the good old GM "piston slap."

Check out www.pistonslap . com for more info.

03Bowtie · May 11, 2004

funny this topic was brought up. I took my '03 in last thursday for this same noise, albeit it was very minor and was told that the technician was unable to duplicate the noise. The service writer said she heard the noise and said it was "normal in all GM vehicles" "They all do that". I'm sorry, but this is BULL$h*T!!! I'm going to scan my work order and email it to pistonslap.com. That site is extremely informative.

Oh, the technician was also quick to point out that "truck has aftermarket air cleaner". I thought that was quite humorous. Seems as though they are training the techs to pass the buck.....

Quadrasteer · May 11, 2004

My '02SD has this sound. It sounds like it's low on oil, the same as when you first start an engine after an oil change. It does go away after it warms up but if you let it idle for a long time it comes back, also after an oil change if you just let it idle the noise dosen't go away until you drive the truck. I'd like to know what it is before I take it in to the dealer. I've been a mechanic for many years and it dosen't sound like piston slap to me.

mj_peterson · May 12, 2004

I believe if you dig into this you will find that it is the air pump taking awhile to build up pressure. There is a funny diverter valve in it that clatters. I was concerned about piston slap and all the hyp that folks were stating. I unhooked the wiring from the air pump motor, started it and there was no noise. Hooked up the connector, started it and the noise resumed. If you have an ear scope, you can put it to the air pump and that is where the noise is.

At least in my case that is where it was on my 2002 Yukon XL w/ 6.0. My 5.3 also makes it but I haven't unhooked the connector on it because I am convinced it is just the air pump diverter building up pressure etc.

Pancho · May 12, 2004

I had a ticking problem early on (especially in cold weather) and changed the serpentine belt to a Goodyear Gaterback belt - no problems since. Might be worth looking into.

bwolsen · May 13, 2004

The belt was changed a couple days ago. I'm curious about this air pump thing though. How do I go about checking for that?

Valsport · May 13, 2004

I've got CSK, and this isn't csk, I know what he's talking about and I think its valvetrain racket.

Import Hater · May 13, 2004

I believe if you dig into this you will find that it is the air pump taking awhile to build up pressure. There is a funny diverter valve in it that clatters. I was concerned about piston slap and all the hyp that folks were stating. I unhooked the belt from the motor, started it and there was no noise. Hooked up the belt, started it and the noise resumed. If you have an ear scope, you can put it to the air pump and that is where the noise is.

At least in my case that is where it was on my 2002 Yukon XL w/ 6.0. My 5.3 also makes it but I haven't unhooked the belt on it because I am convinced it is just the air pump diverter building up pressure etc.

What exactly did you take out of commission by running it without a belt? The GENIII small blocks don't have a mechanical belt driven A.I.R. pump. The pump is now electric and is located near the passenger side/firewall area.

Rob

bwolsen · June 7, 2004

**** ****

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!

After talking with several people, I figured that perhaps it could be carbon buildup on the valves. I went to the local Auto Zone and purchased a nice bottle of fuel system cleaner as well as some more oil, a filter, and an oil addative.

I put all the fluids in and filled up with some fresh gas. I drove it for a little ways and nothing, I drove into town and back(Another 60 miles) and nothing. Then, the next morning, while getting ready to take it over to a mechanic, I start it. Woohoo!!!! No more problem.

It seams that the carbon buildup on the valves, in conjunction with what I was told was a lousy oil seemed to be the problem.

Thank you all for your input.

AZ-Z71 · June 7, 2004

Don't want to bust your bubble but if it is CSK it will be back. I actually hope you fixed it though. A friend here has a 2001 Sliverado and was complaining to me about the cold start tick. I heard it and told him it was CSK, common problem with no appearant fix. Anyway took the truck in and after tearing down half the engine, no fix, and then cleaning the carbon it appeared to fix it. I told him it would be back. Three days later.....guess what.

My 99 has CSK. You can hear it for aound the first ten seconds. Mine went away for about two weeks when they tore the drivers side cylinder head down to remove a broken exhaust manafold bolt. The tick eventually came back, same as before. I have a new tick that just started about two weeks ago and can't seem to find it. Sounds like a leaking exhaust gasket. I don't hear it in idle, or reving the engine. You do hear it when you are driving until the engine gets to operating temp, then it goes away. If the engine cools down, like you ran into a stor for a bit, next time you come out the same tick as you drive away.

Does this sound like an exhaust leak? What about a belt or pully? Definately on the drivers side. I'm going with a exhaust leak figuring that maybe the shop needs to re-torque something after two/three months?????

desrtrat · June 8, 2004

on my 98 Z28 and my 01 Z71 and my 03 SS all had a ticking

noise, sounded just like a bad lifters and some times it was quite

loud. come to find out that it was just the injectors doing there thing

and nothing more.

so when the dealer says its normal it just might be, but get a few more

opinions from outhers if you need to. my service rep. and i get a long

very well so i take his word for what he saids besides we have a understanding

between us... if he screw up my truck.. i screw up his knee caps

Draphty · June 8, 2004

My 2 cents...My '03 Z71 has the tick, my '99 Vette had the tick. I asked around and found that just about everyone has the tick...so, I'm not gonna worry about. Sounds like crap and it TICKS me off...What ya gonna do?...fight the General?

jhm · June 8, 2004

Your truck is a '98 so it aint piston slap or csk. Those things happen within the first 15K usually. I bet you were right cleaning the carbon off the top end. You might need to do it periodically.