Lifter type tick and hard start.
#1
Lifter type tick and hard start.
I tried to not post a new thread, but didn't see the exact symptoms I have when searching the forum. Any help is appreciated.
Subject vehicle 2003 Tahoe 2WD 5.3 Flex Fuel 225k miles
About a week ago I drove 3-4 hrs with an empty trailer, picked up a Cavalier and drove home. About 30 minutes from the house, the Tahoe stalled pulling up to a light. It didn't want to restart, but finally did, and had a VERY pronounced tap, like a lifter or valve. I pulled off and checked the oil, and made the "brave" decision to baby it home. About 10 minutes later, I pulled off again to discuss the situation on the phone, and no tap..... Haven't heard the tap again until this afternoon. Truck has been parked since yesterday. My wife heard it tapping when backing out of the drive way so she stopped to check the oil. It didn't want to start again, and has a very loud tap. Seems to be left cylinder bank, under the valve cover.
Any ideas?
Subject vehicle 2003 Tahoe 2WD 5.3 Flex Fuel 225k miles
About a week ago I drove 3-4 hrs with an empty trailer, picked up a Cavalier and drove home. About 30 minutes from the house, the Tahoe stalled pulling up to a light. It didn't want to restart, but finally did, and had a VERY pronounced tap, like a lifter or valve. I pulled off and checked the oil, and made the "brave" decision to baby it home. About 10 minutes later, I pulled off again to discuss the situation on the phone, and no tap..... Haven't heard the tap again until this afternoon. Truck has been parked since yesterday. My wife heard it tapping when backing out of the drive way so she stopped to check the oil. It didn't want to start again, and has a very loud tap. Seems to be left cylinder bank, under the valve cover.
Any ideas?
#2
Administrator
The hard starting could be due to low /poor compression , but could also be due to low fuel pressure...
What I didn't see in your original message was if you had to add oil each time you checked it?
You could try pulling the valve cover off, start the engine and see if you can identify the offending lifter, it will be messy so be careful of doing it on a hot engine.
What I didn't see in your original message was if you had to add oil each time you checked it?
You could try pulling the valve cover off, start the engine and see if you can identify the offending lifter, it will be messy so be careful of doing it on a hot engine.
#3
The first time, no, oil level was fine. Second time, I added 1 qt. The rear main is leaking like crazy. The first time it acted up, once it ran, it ran great. Took 2-3 attempts and feathering the throttle to get it started. Keep in mind, I was towing a car and pulled like a champ, so I feel safe ruling out compression. Fuel, very possibly, but it would have to be an intermittent issue as well. That's what has me stumped, is how the tap and the hard start are related. After some research, I'm betting the tap is indeed a lifter (gonna try a flush and maybe pull the valve cover). But what about a tap could cause a hard start??? Also, right now it will start fine, but still has a tap.
#7
Either way, the motor ultimately needs a tear down. 2003, 221k miles, hail damage, torn driver seat, and in need of tires.....
I think she's done her time. - Maybe a Sante Fe. They have a great warranty.
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