Valvetrain Tick

[daleearnhardt01]

98 Vortec 350 with 49k miles...

Sounds like a valvetrain tick on the passenger side. Any ideas on what I can do, I guess I could adjust the valve thats ticking but was wondering if there were any other ideas. Kinda strange for this to happen on such a low mileage motor?

 

[mr_clean]

Not sure about with newer motors, but back in the day... the salty dogs used to say to put a little tranny fluid or marvel mystery oil in the crankcase for sticky lifters...

Anyone else know if that works or is it just myth???

 

[daleearnhardt01]

Ive heard that too, now that Ive done a little poking around apparently the newer Vortecs like to tick a little bit so maybe I shouldnt be alarmed.....

 

[dirtwarrior17]

IMHO it sounds like its the rockers. Have you pulled the covers and check the torque specs?

 

[diesel4me]

The Marvel Mystery oil might work

If its due to sticky lifters,then Marvel Mystery oil might help,or some "Valve Medic" additive,GM's "Engine Oil Supplement" from a dealers parts counter is the best stuff to try first,its a bit pricey though---

The vortec's arent usually noted for valve train noises like the older small blocks--I have read about a lot of them having piston slap though,especially after a start up in extreme cold weather,but the dealers are not fixing them,calling it "normal" engine noise! --not if I had spent 30 grand on a new truck,ANY noise isnt "normal" on a new truck if you ask me!!

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I have a 99 Suburban with a 5.7 vortec that has developed a slight exhaust leak. Check that out first. If it is not that, it is either a loose or broken rocker (pretty unlikely) or a sticky lifter.

 

[daleearnhardt01]

If it is a sticky lifter should I try some tranny fluid or Marvel Mystery Oil to try to get it unstuck.

Will it hurt anything to drive it for a few weeks until I get it home to look at it, I dont really have the resources to mess with it up here at school, I guess i could if I had to but Id prefer to get it on the lift at home...

 

[AkMudr]

Try some SeaFoam Green..good stuff for cleanin anythin gummed up in the valvetrain.

 

[89K5Carolina]

ticking 350

pull off your valve covers and see if there is any play in your pushrods. they will make a tick if they have loosened up.

litty


89' k5 6" lift, 350, Holley TBI, THM350, NP241, 10 bolts 4.10 w/eaton lockers 36"

 

[ssls6]

I would try Autorx if you think it is a sticky lifter. That stuff is a very aggressive ester that really cleans up a motor. Tranny fluid doesn't have the detergents it once had.

With hydraulic lifters, it would be unusual to have a rocker that needs adjusting.

 

[daleearnhardt01]

I just cant believe that it could be a sticky lifter with this low mileage but I guess it happens...

 

[pineyjon]

i second the exhaust leak