Lifters?

[hnatehale]

I am looking for some help with my 2004 Z71 Sierra with a 5.3. Here is a discription of the issues:

 

My 2004 has 120000 miles (97% are highway). I have made every oil change on schedule. But recently upon startup it makes a taping sound for a minute or so. I have not noticed any loss of power, but i have had a overheating issue and with the last oil change I had to add coolant. Seems to be lossing a little oil between oil changes, but there are no pool of oil in a parking spot. I have changed the termostat as a precaution. I noticed that sometimes at idle the oil pressure falls to 20lbs, but quickly jump to 40lbs with any acceleration. I took it to a dealership mechanic and for the $115 dianostic he said he wasn't 100% sure, but without an additional 6hr inspection he would suggest a engine replacement ($3,500 to $5,000) because oil and coolant are "dissappearing". There is no cloudyness in the oil, so that implies that its not a head gasket. Like I said there is no obvious oil leakage confirmed by myself and the mechanic....

 

It seems like I was getting jerked around by the dealership....

[L29er]

You might get more response in the full size forum...