1999 Chevy Suburban Sounds like an fan hitting something at

1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
126,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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FLABUS1
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  • 1 POST
First thing in the morning when I start my Suburban there is a noise up-front that sounds like the fan hitting something in the engine compartment?

Actually, I think it's something internal, like oil not getting up in the engine? It only happens once a day or anytime the truck is let to stand more that 8 hours.

The oil pressure gauge goes right up to the 3/4 mark till the engine warms up, then will hover between the 1/4 to 1/2 mark. The temp gauge stays right at the 1/4 mark when warmed up and never goes farther. So I'm guessing the motor is not over-heating?

I recently (last week) had the oil changed with a new filter.
Mar 4, 2009 at 10:20 AM
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JAMES W.
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  • 2,394 POSTS
My first thought, without hearing the noise, is you have a valve lifter that's bleeding down after the truck sits for a period of time. This is not uncommon on GM engines. If I am correct, it is usually only one lifter that causes the noise, but out of 16, which one is it? If it is a noisy lifter, the only sure fix is to replace them all. This can be an expensive repair to cure something that is basically just an irritating noise. Rarely does it cause a problem unless it gets so bad that it causes a cylinder to misfire. Hope this helps.
Mar 4, 2009 at 11:01 AM
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FLABUS1
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Thanks very much for the response.

That pretty much sounds like the problem, I just couldn't think of a good way to state it in my original question.

Again, thanks very much!

MJ
Mar 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM
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JAMES W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 2,394 POSTS
MJ, I think you did pretty good. Anything else, you know where to find us.
Mar 4, 2009 at 3:24 PM
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