2005 GMC Sierra 1500 ticking/knocking noise?

[Ballyhoo]

My son bought this truck with 118k on it and it now has 160k. He has done all required service during that time.

Late last week he noticed a ticking/knocking noise on cold start in the morning. After 10-15 minutes it would go away. Oil level was fine, no apparent leaks and no warning lights. Oil pressure has shown between 35 & 40. When it happens its the same noise-it hasn’t gotten worse.

Today he left it for his mechanic to check and of course, it wouldn’t make the ticking knocking noise. His mechanic changed the oil and filter with a thicker oil.

He picked up his truck and headed for Old Town Scottsdale, where he lives. About 15 minutes later the noise starts again. The repair shop had already closed.

How is this noise intermittent? What is it? It sounds like its a couple of minutes from being an artificial reef.

A couple of videos from this evening

@Monkeywrench

 

[Mandelon]

That's the "Time for a New Truck Alert"

Our 04 Suburban got to about 105,000 and lost a lower bearing. Kinda sounded like that....

 

[lbhsbz]

"thicker" oil doesn't solve any problems in modern engines...have the oil changed again with the appropriate spec dexos2 oil and an ACDelco filter. Then don't use that shop again...they have no idea what they're doing.

What engine? do you have a VIN?

Edit...was just able to hear the videos...don't bother with another oil change at this point.

Engine sounds fucked...but without knowing what engine is in it...not sure how fucked.

 

[sintax]

I only listed to that first sound clip.... and unless someone swapped a 12v cummins in there, he should be shopping for a reman long block, or a new truck.

 

[Ballyhoo]

"thicker" oil doesn't solve any problems in modern engines...have the oil changed again with the appropriate spec dexos2 oil and an ACDelco filter. Then don't use that shop again...they have no idea what they're doing.

What engine? do you have a VIN?

Edit...was just about to hear the videos...don't bother with another oil change at this point.

Engine sounds fucked...but without knowing what engine is in it...not sure how fucked.

Ill get the vin. Thx

 

[81Sprint]

had the same issue in my 06 Yukon denali. Theres is a 'trap door' in the oil pump that keeps oil in it for start up, when that door malfunctions it sounds like that exactly, almost like a diesel. ticking for 15-30 seconds on cold start up (Vegas). That was my issue anyway, also happened to a co worker so it wasn't a crazy one off. Dealer replaced the oil pump fixed the issue.

 

[SoCalDave]

Rented a Chrysler back in the early 80's to run to Mexico for a week or two. By the time we got back into the states that thing was knocking like Lamar Odem at the Love Ranch. Drained some oil and refilled with strait STP and purred like a kitten when I returned it.

 

[lbhsbz]

It's the piston slapping in the bores most likely.
Hypereutectic piston with their silicon content tend not to warm up very fast.
I would say if things were taken care of there is a solid 30-40K left. Just let it warm up.

He reported that this was after driving for 15 minutes....assuming it was quiet before that, this is not the usual LS piston slap. I have a 6.0...I'm very familiar with piston slap.

 

[SBMech]

That's a lifter tick IMO, wrong oil used and possible the pump not supplying enough pressure. Never use a "thicker oil" to solve anything.

I would use a high test "oil detergent" and follow the instructions properly, I have gotten more than a few lifters unstuck with a good additive if it's been neglected.

Most likely an oil pump issue if it's nice and clean inside and has good records of 5k oil changes before he got it that is.

Get someone to do the basics properly, mechanically check oil pressure etc, if it's lower than 22 at operating temp or before that's where I would look.

 

[Carlson-jet]

I made a post before listening to the sound.
That is valve train.
Sounds like a lifter not getting oil or a bad cam. could be a bent pushrod, pulled stud or anything related to to the valve train. That tick is old school. I've heard it many times. I would guess 800 rpm's at idle. That tick is about 400. valves are opening half the crank speed

 

[Carlson-jet]

That's a lifter tick IMO, wrong oil used and possible the pump not supplying enough pressure. Never use a "thicker oil" to solve anything.

I would use a high test "oil detergent" and follow the instructions properly, I have gotten more than a few lifters unstuck with a good additive if it's been neglected.

Most likely an oil pump issue if it's nice and clean inside and has good records of 5k oil changes before he got it that is.

Get someone to do the basics properly, mechanically check oil pressure etc.

Agree.

 

[Danger Dave]

You said "ticking", made me wonder if your kid has any dirt on Hillary?

 

[BassLakeCruiser]

That gen had a cam/lifter issue and I think there was a recall. I had an 06 with 120 on the clock and I just kept driving it. Magically when I went to sell it the light was off and passed smog with flying colors. I never tried to fix, sorry I can’t help

 

[hallett3]

Had a 2010 Silverado and sounded exactly like that. I thought is was a bad lifter. Turned out to be a rod bearing. It surprised the shit out of me because a rod bearing should be louder than that. Hopefully it could be that oil pump trap door like someone mentioned. My truck a 130 thousand miles on it .

 

[Bobo57]

ditto, lifter

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Ticking........aka timebomb...lol...good luck.

 

[Ballyhoo]

I have read some things about the oil pump screen and or an O-ring in the oil pump that restricts oil flow. Maybe another reason that the noise is not constant. It kind of comes and goes.

I appreciate the help so far.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I've run into a bunch of LS motors in that year range that have had intermittent oil pump issues. The bypass valve in the pump itself gets worn, more the bore it resides in. It allows the piston to hang up. Sometimes just a few seconds, where it may only show a blip on the gauge, most times just sticks open and goes full lifter clatter. The problem is, if it's been doing it intermittently for some time, the bearings take the brunt of it. Easy enough to pencil in some bearings for the crank and rods, but the cam bearings can be junk, or the rollers on the lifters can start to get fuckered up.

If it's his only car, probably best to start figuring who can swap a motor, and start figuring cost vs return for a long block.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

That's a lifter tick IMO, wrong oil used and possible the pump not supplying enough pressure. Never use a "thicker oil" to solve anything.

I would use a high test "oil detergent" and follow the instructions properly, I have gotten more than a few lifters unstuck with a good additive if it's been neglected.

Most likely an oil pump issue if it's nice and clean inside and has good records of 5k oil changes before he got it that is.

Get someone to do the basics properly, mechanically check oil pressure etc, if it's lower than 22 at operating temp or before that's where I would look.

I was going to go with the typical LQ lifter tick as well. My truck has had a lifter tick for about the last 70k miles on cold starts. As soon as the lifters are all pumped up, its gone. I know these engines are notorious for having this and typically is more annoying than anything else. I know there are some videos on Youtube of guys pulling the valve covers and are able to clean the lifters sufficiently enough to eliminate the issue without actually pulling any of the valvetrain apart.

 

[BHC Vic]

"thicker" oil doesn't solve any problems in modern engines...have the oil changed again with the appropriate spec dexos2 oil and an ACDelco filter. Then don't use that shop again...they have no idea what they're doing.

What engine? do you have a VIN?

Edit...was just able to hear the videos...don't bother with another oil change at this point.

Engine sounds fucked...but without knowing what engine is in it...not sure how fucked.

I disagree... mine has been ticking for a few years. It’s a lifter. I run thicker oil and it helps a lot. Been doing that for about a year now. I run 20w-50. Slick 50 also helps when I change the oil. My oil pressure always drops at cold start and idle. After it warms up it’s better. Again thicker oil making a big difference. 02 Silverado 1500 HD. Maybe I’ll go make a video in a minute

 

[575cat]

Time for cam & lifters .

 

[BHC Vic]

The tick on mine actually sounds good right now ( i literally just got an oil change) but it get worse. The oil pressure light will come on till I get on the gas again. That also makes the tick go away. Yea I’m looking for a new truck but again it’s been this way for over 5 years and I’m convinced the thicker oil is why. Truck still goes to Vegas and just got me to and from Bakersfield recently. Although it didn’t like that. I’m not a mechanic just a guy with the same issue that’s been going on for 5 years after people told me thicker oil wouldn’t help and I needed a new truck. Not doubting any of the experts just my personal experience

 

[motormonkey]

My 05 does this once a year. I run a can of marvel mystery oil in it aND it goes away. 240,000 on the odomiter.
It's the lifters that get gummy in my case and oil changed every 3000 miles.
My oil pressure is good tho, no light ever fingers crossed.

 

[BHC Vic]

I’ve got about 100k miles on it since the tick. I’ve been told alaways run this oil no matter who changes it. They wrote it on the sticker for me

 

[BHC Vic]

My 05 does this once a year. I run a can of marvel mystery oil in it aND it goes away. 240,000 on the odomiter.
It's the lifters that get gummy in my case and oil changed every 3000 miles.
My oil pressure is good tho, no light ever fingers crossed.

Slick 50 seems to work well but I’m going to look into that marvel mystery. If this truck can get me into next year it will have more than done it’s job. I should have bought a truck last month but I work too much.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I’ve got about 100k miles on it since the tick. I’ve been told alaways run this oil no matter who changes it. They wrote it on the sticker for me View attachment 941196

You have a bad oil pump o ring or worn oil pump bypass.

 

[Motor Boater]

I was going to go with the typical LQ lifter tick as well. My truck has had a lifter tick for about the last 70k miles on cold starts. As soon as the lifters are all pumped up, its gone. I know these engines are notorious for having this and typically is more annoying than anything else. I know there are some videos on Youtube of guys pulling the valve covers and are able to clean the lifters sufficiently enough to eliminate the issue without actually pulling any of the valvetrain apart.

This. I had an 02 suburban with this issue. Only did it when it got cold. In the summer it was never there. Once the truck warmed up it was gone. It’s very common in these years. I also would agree that thicker oil is not the fix.

 

[BHC Vic]

You have a bad oil pump o ring or worn oil pump bypass.

Changed all that?? We’ve basically done everything short of putting a new motor in. I can do that for a couple thousand but I’m just waiting to get a new truck. I’m honestly waiting for this one to die but thankfully it just keeps going. The tick started years ago but I had my company truck. About 3 years ago I started driving this one again daily. It’s got a lot of weird things but it still gets me to work. The thicker oil helped that new pump out though

 

[BHC Vic]

Like I said I’m not arguing with anyone, I’m not a mechanic... but I know mine has stayed alive a lot longer than it should, and I do know for sure the thicker oil helps with MY issue. It wouldn’t shock me to see this truck hit 300k. I know all the quirks and we work well together

 

[BHC Vic]

You have a bad oil pump o ring or worn oil pump bypass.

It also doesn’t stop for shit but I think my tranny is slipping so I’m just happy if it goes for now

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Changed all that?? We’ve basically done everything short of putting a new motor in. I can do that for a couple thousand but I’m just waiting to get a new truck. I’m honestly waiting for this one to die but thankfully it just keeps going. The tick started years ago but I had my company truck. About 3 years ago I started driving this one again daily. It’s got a lot of weird things but it still gets me to work. The thicker oil helped that new pump out though

Then just run it. It’s $1k to swap in a junkyard engine if it pops.

If you are getting low oil pressure warning lights, you have a oil pump related problem. Thicker oil would help here if the problem was not severe enough.

The lifter tick could be caused by that, or it could be a seperate issue.

 

[BajaT]

Like I said I’m not arguing with anyone, I’m not a mechanic... but I know mine has stayed alive a lot longer than it should, and I do know for sure the thicker oil helps with MY issue. It wouldn’t shock me to see this truck hit 300k. I know all the quirks and we work well together

My pop's truck did that. Once warmed up it would go away. Has close to 250k miles on it. Over 100k since first knock. He also very conservative on the throttle and never pulled anything close to upper towing limit...

 

[BHC Vic]

I go easy on the throttle. If I go too hard my service engine soon light will come on. I fill it up with gas and it goes away. The truck is quirky for sure but I’m just going to run it till it says uncle then buy a diesel. I’ll fix this one and it will be my ranch truck that gets beat on.

 

[Havasu blue label]

Oring oil pump

 

[Cdog]

The tick on mine actually sounds good right now ( i literally just got an oil change) but it get worse. The oil pressure light will come on till I get on the gas again. That also makes the tick go away. Yea I’m looking for a new truck but again it’s been this way for over 5 years and I’m convinced the thicker oil is why. Truck still goes to Vegas and just got me to and from Bakersfield recently. Although it didn’t like that. I’m not a mechanic just a guy with the same issue that’s been going on for 5 years after people told me thicker oil wouldn’t help and I needed a new truck. Not doubting any of the experts just my personal experience
View attachment 941194
View attachment 941195

I don't know how you do it. that would stress me the fuck out. If I saw that oil pressure alarm I'd have that thing apart the next day. LOL!

 

[BHC Vic]

I don't know how you do it. that would stress me the fuck out. If I saw that oil pressure alarm I'd have that thing apart the next day. LOL!

Lol going through a drive thru is probably the most stressful part of my day I put it in neutral and give it a little gas. I know the truck and the truck knows me seriously it’s time for a new truck

 

[hallett21]

Lol going through a drive thru is probably the most stressful part of my day [emoji23][emoji23] I put it in neutral and give it a little gas. I know the truck and the truck knows me [emoji23] seriously it’s time for a new truck

Lol you can buy/negotiate the truck over the phone. Get a new truck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ballyhoo]

I've run into a bunch of LS motors in that year range that have had intermittent oil pump issues. The bypass valve in the pump itself gets worn, more the bore it resides in. It allows the piston to hang up. Sometimes just a few seconds, where it may only show a blip on the gauge, most times just sticks open and goes full lifter clatter. The problem is, if it's been doing it intermittently for some time, the bearings take the brunt of it. Easy enough to pencil in some bearings for the crank and rods, but the cam bearings can be junk, or the rollers on the lifters can start to get fuckered up.

If it's his only car, probably best to start figuring who can swap a motor, and start figuring cost vs return for a long block.

It just started late last week. Thanks

 

[Ballyhoo]

Any recommendations for a good mechanic in Phoenix/ Scottsdale who can diagnose/ repair or do a long block swap if needed?

 

[DLC]

That is a 6.0 motor they are good for 220 - 240,000 miles, I have an 05 and it’s been ticking for 6-8 months I have 225 on the clock, time for a new motor. Get a junk yard motor and have it installed for 1000-1500 labor only, a new short block from chubby is about $4,000.

I had an exhaust manifold break a stud and it ticked but not like that a little different sound, on the same truck

I use a Lucas oil additive, it’s designed to stick to the internals and lube all the joints like a slick 50.

 

[spectra3279]

Have the flex plate checked. Sounds like it maybe cracked.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[Activated]

Any recommendations for a good mechanic in Phoenix/ Scottsdale who can diagnose/ repair or do a long block swap if needed?

They short blocked my 5.3 with a used 110k motor. O issues so far...they have been working on our cars for years.

Slaughter & Associates - Chandler, AZ

Specialties: Import, European and Domestic

m.yelp.com

 

[BONER]

Have the flex plate checked. Sounds like it maybe cracked.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Good call. This happened in my 04 Silvy.

5.3 short or long blocks are dirt cheap. So are complete ready to swap motors. I wouldn't fix it, I'd just replace it.

I know of a great shop in Tempe.

 

[Ballyhoo]

So his current shop has not been able to hear or replicate the ticking/knocking noise but...he found that one or two exhaust manifold bolts are broken off. My son didn't remember exactly if the mechanic said one or two bolts. That might be something that is an issue on a cold start, sometimes and goes away as the engines warms? It doesn't happen on every single cold start but most of them. It sometimes happens a couple of minutes after the cold start then goes away 5-10 minutes later.

 

[Ballyhoo]

Good call. This happened in my 04 Silvy.

5.3 short or long blocks are dirt cheap. So are complete ready to swap motors. I wouldn't fix it, I'd just replace it.

I know of a great shop in Tempe.

Pm me the info on that shop in case this doesn't work out. Thank you.

 

[Ballyhoo]

They short blocked my 5.3 with a used 110k motor. O issues so far...they have been working on our cars for years.

Slaughter & Associates - Chandler, AZ

Specialties: Import, European and Domestic

m.yelp.com

Thank you

 

[Bigbore500r]

I disagree... mine has been ticking for a few years. It’s a lifter. I run thicker oil and it helps a lot. Been doing that for about a year now. I run 20w-50. Slick 50 also helps when I change the oil. My oil pressure always drops at cold start and idle. After it warms up it’s better. Again thicker oil making a big difference. 02 Silverado 1500 HD. Maybe I’ll go make a video in a minute

Your oil pressure being lower at cold start VS operating temperature is backwards from what "normally" happens, and the reason is that your oil pump O-ring has deteriorated. The O-ring is allowing it to suck air and cavitate when the oil is thick and cold (easier to suck air). Once the oil is hot, it is thinner and easier to move, and the tendancy to suck air subsides a bit causing the oil pressure to rise.

Good news - the O-ring is $3.00
Bad news - you have to drop the pan to put it in. But if you have a 2wd that's not a big deal at all.

 

[Bigbore500r]

So his current shop has not been able to hear or replicate the ticking/knocking noise but...he found that one or two exhaust manifold bolts are broken off. My son didn't remember exactly if the mechanic said one or two bolts. That might be something that is an issue on a cold start, sometimes and goes away as the engines warms? It doesn't happen on every single cold start but most of them. It sometimes happens a couple of minutes after the cold start then goes away 5-10 minutes later.

Your sound clips sound like a lifter, but a leaking exhaust manifold with broken bolts can make noise when cold, and shut up once warm.

Have mechanic check for exhaust leak when cold and ticking, using a tube or stethoscope to pinpoint the sound, he should be able to tell

 

[Boat211]

That is a 6.0 motor they are good for 220 - 240,000 miles, I have an 05 and it’s been ticking for 6-8 months I have 225 on the clock, time for a new motor. Get a junk yard motor and have it installed for 1000-1500 labor only, a new short block from chubby is about $4,000.

I had an exhaust manifold break a stud and it ticked but not like that a little different sound, on the same truck

I use a Lucas oil additive, it’s designed to stick to the internals and lube all the joints like a slick 50.

I had same issue with broken exhaust manifold stud. Sound would go away after it warmed up. 2006 with 6.0

 

[EmpirE231]

My 5.3 has about 195k on the clock.... started having a lifter ticking noise intermittently around 5k miles ago. Before my last oil change I added some seafoam to the crankcase oil (follow info on the bottle)... and it has reduced the ticking by about 50%. I will do the seafoam again before the next change and see if it helps even more.

From what I was told, overtime oil passages just get gummed up...causing less circulation.... which eventually leads to some dry lifters = ticking. The seafoam acts as a cleaning agent / flushing the system.

we will see... so far so good, oil pressure still good.