Hello,
I'm new to the forum, but have been pursuing the threads for quite some time. I own a 2008 Silverado with the 5.3. Bought it with 36k miles and now have roughly 94k miles. Always changed oil at 3000 mile intervals as I knew about the excessive oil consumption issues and afm problems. Occasionally I'd get some lifter noise for a brief second, but it would go away and would make no other noises. My truck has never used any oil or at least not enough to notice on the dipstick. Up until recently, I have enjoyed trouble free service from this truck. Last week, the truck overheated and I got the "engine hot ac turned off message." Brought it to the dealer and they replaced the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor. Problem solved. Yesterday, I'm driving along and it started making a loud ticking noise, but it did not sound like a lifter. I wasn't sure what I had heard. Took it into the dealer and the tech says "it's your camshaft and lifters." Now I have read several threads on this issue and every one of them started with the same problem. They all had heavy oil consumption which my truck does not have. I guess my question is, can I get the lifter camshaft problem without any oil consumption or is this dealership taking me for a ride?

 

yes I've seen the lifters fail without oil consumption issues. Is the noise constant?

 

It's constantly there, but the intensity is different. The noise will be subtle, then get louder, then get quieter again. It doesn't follow any pattern.

 

did anyone check for exhaust leaks? they can make a similar ticking sound and the rear bolts on the exhaust manifolds like to break

 

Nobody has really looked hard into it yet. Truck was dropped off on Friday and the tech, who claims to have done over 30 cam replacements, said right away that that is what my noises were. It's been sitting at there ever since. I'll know more tomorrow I hope.