I notice when i start my 2002 suburban 5.3L vortec Especially when its cold but in all weather conditions there is a ticking or knocking noise from the engine. That goes away when it warms or when u drive it a bit? I use 5W-30 oil but i have been told to switch to 10W-30 as i have 76k On this truck.

Also last weekend pulling a pretty heavy trailer through some very deep snow in 4hi for a long period of time parked the truck when to start it Low oil light was on. shut it off started it light went off checked oil was low added more not a problem since but i was told the 5w-30 cold also cause you to go through oil like crazy..

Help please


Jared.

 

In most cases its just a Vortec being a Vortec. My Votec ticks on a cold startup.

It actually is better to use a lower viscosity oil in cold weather. If its cold year-round, you may be better employed to use 5w or even 0w oils.

 

Just follow the manual for oil weights, the tolerances are really tight you don't want to mess it up and run to thick of an oil. It's normal it takes the oil a little bit to get up to the valves and such, so they will click until they are wel enough lubricated.