Our '97 Sub has a top end tick after being started when cold. After a couple of minutes of idling it will go away. I'm assuming it's lifter noise that is quieted after some oil flow and am wondering how big of a fix this is or if anyone has another source for info. It's the 5.7.
Thanks in advance.

 

My 2000 Suburban does the same thing however my engine is the 5.3. I know my engine is known for "pison slap", extra space between the piston and the cylinder wall. I hadn't heard about this problem with the 5.7.

 

I had a 99 Tahoe with the 5.7 and it did the same thing. The day after I bought it it started doing it. I brought it back and they had to put all new lifters in it. I always thoguht the 350 was bullet proof. Every since it always did it or made a knocking noise when first started. Well I totaled that one about a onth ago and bought an 01 Tahoe, which has the motor noise at start up. I heard all the 5.3's till 2004 did it till they corrected it. they say it doesn't hurt anything but sometimes i wonder when I hear some of them.

 

If it lasts more than a few seconds it is not normal (less than 5). You can try finding a shop that has the newest BG oil flush chemical and machine www.bgfindashop.com I have seen THIS machine take care of several lifter noises. You can also try a quart of Lucas oil treatment.

 

I wish I knew about that machine when I had my 99. It only did it for a couple seconds but before they changed the lifters it would do it for a long time..My 01 only does it for a couple seconds...Do you think that machine would make it go away. Prob not though huh considering all 5.3s do it till they corrected it...

 

Finally another Tahoe that has "The Noise" I too have found out that the noise can raise concerns but I added a Lucas Oil treatment It quieted the noise considerably altho it doesn't beat the noises coming from a 2000 dodge ram 2500 it was like vietnam all kinds of ticking and grinding and creaking.

 

My wife's 03 Tahoe does it as well, sometimes for about 30 seconds.

 

I hear you with the Lucas Oil Treatment, how about Seafoam? I'm a firm believer in their Transtune product, but have not tried their Engine Restorer.