Hi all — yesterday my engine started making a clicking/clapping/knocking sound that occurs at a consistent rhythm whenever the engine is running, but is most noticeable at idle. I took the truck to the shop, and they reported that there is likely internal engine damage. They said this would require either a long block replacement or further investigation, which would involve removing the camshaft and oil lifter manifold before a definitive diagnosis and repair plan could be determined.

The truck has 98k miles and is covered by an aftermarket warranty that is still within its term. However, to make a warranty claim, I need to provide evidence of the failure. The shop quoted the diagnostic teardown at several thousand dollars, which would be entirely out of pocket and not guaranteed to be covered under the warranty. The long block replacement itself was quoted at $17k.

I’m in the process of getting a second opinion for the diagnosis, but I’m wondering if anyone here has experienced a similar issue or has advice on the most cost-effective way to either repair the truck so it’s drivable or determine whether selling it as-is makes more sense.

 

Welcome from Florida. I don't understand. They can hear the truck making the noise, what other proof do they need? Sounds like they are stalling so that you go over the mileage limit and they get out of fixing it. This aftermarket warranty seems worthless.

 

This guy on YouTube has a ton of info. It is mostly 6.2L based. He has all the steps and what you should do.

 

It's common for an aftermarket warranty company to request tear down to the point of failure to determine coverage. If it is determined that it is not covered by the policy then the owner is responsible for the cost. if it is determined a covered repair, in my experience, the the tear down is rolled into the repair. I don't know what diagnosis was done, but I would expect a better explanation of failure. Example, I have 2 Silverado's in my bays with A/M warranty's. Determined the noise was valve train from cyl 2 on one and 6 on the other. Both had camshaft issues. Tore down to get video of the camshafts for the warranty company. Warranty Co. authorized the repair after being determined coverer by their policy. Warranty Companies don't throw engines in vehicles without seeing what's wrong. You might be write about getting a second opinion from someone who will give a better diagnosis. Hope you find this helpful.

 

Another thing that you might want to have done is an oil and oil filter change to see if there is debris in the oil (glittery) and then cut open the oil filter to see if there are metal flakes (again glittery) captures in the filtration media. In a normally functioning engine that is in good repair, there should be little or no small metal flakes in the oil (oil will not look glittery) and in the oil filter's filtration media. If you want to see examples of both go to https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/fo...oil-filters.6/. There are multiple examples of both no metal in the filters and metals caught in the filtration media due to internal engine damage.

Good Luck!

 

Gotta say, $17k is kinda steep for an engine replacement. The only saving part of that is the warranty coverage. Be prepared to be without your truck for 4 weeks or more too. Many warranty companies will send out an "inspector" to verify the dealer's diagnosis.

 

SO what was the outcome of all this?