2001 Sierra Dropped A LIfter

nthe10ring · October 11, 2006

I have a 2001 GMC Sierra, and it has rattled at start up since about 37 thousand (81 thousand now) It has rattled at start up and would continue till the engine would get up to temperature. Everytime I would take it to the dealer it would stop by the time I got there. It has continued to get worse and would tap and sound really bad, so bad it was embarrasing around folks that knew me, several times folks would think the motor was about to blow. I had the extended warranty to 75 thou and took it in at about 74, at the time it was down a half quart of oil and I didnt want to change anything and left it overnight so the tech could hear it. It rattled at start up and they dismissed it as being down on oil- just cant win.

Well the truck finally dropped a lifter and theres no doubt about hearing it now. Now that its out of warranty to replace all the lifters im quoted about 1600 dollars, and warned that if cam shaft is damaged it could be up to 2500 or so. I have entertained the idea of a crate motor since I've had so many problems but thats quoted at 5800 dollars. What do you guys think, if the lifters are replaced should the old motor be ok, or should I be looking for another motor.

While im at this let me also ask, ( please forgive the long post, just discover this forum and trying to come to decision on this by tomorrow) the coolant is continually low, I have had it in twice and each time told a water pump, once at 37 and again at 74 thousand, each time it would be down enough for the light to come on within a day or so. They said just ran pressure check today and can find nothing but its down enough for the light to come on,,, usually have to add collant about every other day. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

nthe10ring

greenbuck50 · October 11, 2006

Can't help you on the engine stuff, but the low coolant light problem happened to me also... constantly. The water pump was my problem, and a friend of mine had the exact same problem and it was his water pump.

nthe10ring · October 11, 2006

Already had two water pumps in less than 40thousand miles and continued to be low on coolant within a couple of days. Gets down low enough to put the add light on about every 150 miles or so. Water pump didnt fix the problem.

Any input on this lifter thing would be greatly appreciated, interested in what folks think chances are of ok with replacement of all lifters, just about as cheap as replacing the one. Im a little bumed out on this, this is my second GM that went out at 81thousand, dropped a piston on the last one and had to replace the motor.

nthe10ring

GM-Tech · October 11, 2006

There's a very good chance there's no cam damage. Most lifter noises are due to internal failures inside the lifter and not because it makes contact with the cam. Of course there COULD be cam damage, and I would examine full circumference of the lobe of the noisy lifter very carefully, but you'll probably be okay.

The only way to know for sure is to tear it down and look. And if it was my truck, and it's just one noisy lifter, I would not put a whole set $$$ in. I'd just replace the one that's the problem. Unfortunately, you have to pull the heads to remove the lifters, so you may want to replace them all just so you don't have to do that major repair twice.

nthe10ring · October 12, 2006

I didn't want to do this twice since I have to have the dealership do it. I'm replacing all the lifters and hoping the cam will be like you said with no damage. Thanks for your reply, I just found this forum and there seems to be lots of good info here.

nthe10ring