loud ticking

**pittbull** · 05-17-2009, 09:29 PM

my 1997 4x4 chevy suburban is making a ticking noise when i step on the gas pedal to pass a car or to pickup fast speed.

**thrasher** · 05-17-2009, 10:00 PM

Sounds like it could be a leaking exhaust manifold gasket.

**RATRODKING** · 05-19-2009, 06:57 PM

maybe a lifter tapping ?
check the oil level.

leonard

**97chevz71** · 05-19-2009, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by pittbull

my 1997 4x4 chevy suburban is making a ticking noise when i step on the gas pedal to pass a car or to pickup fast speed.

Normal valve tap my friend never hurt anything. I have the same thing in a truck does the same exact thing.

**pittbull** · 05-20-2009, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by 97chevz71

Normal valve tap my friend never hurt anything. I have the same thing in a truck does the same exact thing.

I was told that it was a piston. oil level is good

**jester** · 05-20-2009, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by pittbull

I was told that it was a piston. oil level is good

I doubt it is a piston. That would be more of a knock than a tap. I agree it is probably a vlave tap or maybe exhaust manifold gaskets

**unplugged** · 05-20-2009, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by pittbull

I was told that it was a piston. oil level is good

Does the noise go away after warm up? Piston "slap" usually goes away once the engine has warmed up. Piston slap is caused by a scuffing of the piston skirt. Not normally something to be concerned about.

Underhood ticking noises typically come from four sources: Tappet noise, piston slap, spark plug wire arcing, and exhaust manifold leaks.
Plug wire arcing and exhaust manifold leaks are easy to identify with a visual inspection.
Tappet noises that aren't cured by proper oil level can either be ignored or replaced. Replacement doesn't always guaranty the noise will go away.
Piston slap while annoying isn't bad for the engine. GM has introduced a polymer coated piston as a fix.

From: idavette.net
This piston knock anomaly that has been occurring in some ’97-’01 engines after start-ups in cold weather is not a durability concern. It’s a pleasability issue on which there was enough input from customers that GM made a production change. Like the revised rings, there’s no performance advantage in switching to the tighter clearance and the polymer-coated piston. Those hearing a cold piston knock are better off ignoring it until the engine warms a little, rather than subjecting themselves to the stress of a dialog with a GM dealer intended to force repair or replacement of the engine.