I have a 2002 Suburban with 180,000 on the engine that has intermittent problems that are temporarily fixed with oil changes. Problems are:
- Lifter noise on cold start
- Oil pressure at or just below 40
- Rattling Noise in engine when oil pressure keeps dropping
- Loss of power
- On a heavy load and tow, the engine lifters begin to click loud rhythmically.

As soon as I change the oil/filter:
- Lifter noise stops
- Oil pressure at 60
- Rattling Noise stops
- Power OK
- Can tow again without lifters clicking

This occurs after only 1K - 2K miles after each oil change.
Got someone experienced who looked at the dipstick and saw fine metallic glitter in the sunlight.

What could be the problem I'm facing?

 

Kapoot engine, tolerances are way out of spec, bearings rings etc. Not a single other issue comes to mind.


The only other thing you could do to get a few more miles out of it would be using straight weight oil 40 or 50.


When she goes its gonna go with a bang.

 

/\ /\ /\ /\ Yep. /\ /\ /\ /\

You could crutch it along w/ a straight weight oil like a 40 or 50 and try a can of Restore. I'm a firm believer that you can't repair a mechanical problem like worn bearings chemically but I have had good luck w/ Restore on old engines. I would limit heavy tows tho.

 

Appreciate the feedback! I'll drive it carefully around town in the mean time, look for a replacement engine.