Ticking lifters?

IMTOOLER59

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET EXPRESS
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
320,000 MILES

When I start it in the morning it clatters till it is at OT, then it quiets almost completely. Today it won't quiet down all the way. I suspect crap in the lifters because When I bought it, I had to pull the oil pan to clean out the sludge and replace the pickup seal. Is there a quick and dirty way to clean out the lifters? It's probably not worth replacing them. But it runs rather well except when it clatters.

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

With 320,000 on the engine I would say it is worn out. I would put 2 bottles of Lucas engine oil treatment and run it until something happens then replace the engine. You might want to change the oil and filter and add a heavier weight oil.

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Saturday, November 16th, 2024 AT 10:05 AM

IMTOOLER59

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6 POSTS

I mentioned it came on suddenly. That's not the symptom of a worn-out motor. This answer is pretty generic.

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Friday, November 22nd, 2024 AT 2:52 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

I didn't see where you said it came on suddenly, I apologize.

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Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 AT 9:18 AM

IMTOOLER59

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6 POSTS

The apology is mine, I actually didn't say it came on suddenly, but it was kind of implied in my question.

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Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 AT 1:08 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

This engine has the cylinder delete which causes lighter issues which can be the problem with your engine is, you upload a short video of the engine making the noise I can tell for sure what's going on.