Lifter noise???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 8
Lifter noise???
On a cold start I get what sounds like a sticky lifter for about 3 or 4 minutes and then it disappears. I tried some Marvel Mystery oil to no avail. Any suggestions or is there another chemical I can try???
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Perfectly normal for an LS1 engine. Stop worrying about it and adding stuff to your engine. Just use the Mobil 1 that is called for.
You should hear it until it reaches about 140°F coolant temp.
You should hear it until it reaches about 140°F coolant temp.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
My 2000 Silverado's 5.3L engine has done this since around 55,xxx miles and with 121,xxx miles still does it and doesn't use oil. It will make the noise for a few minutes then stop just as the needle moves from the lowest temp reading of 160*F.
I think it is called "piston slap"
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,115
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Unknown noises .
My 2000 Silverado's 5.3L engine has done this since around 55,xxx miles and with 121,xxx miles still does it and doesn't use oil. It will make the noise for a few minutes then stop just as the needle moves from the lowest temp reading of 160*F.
I think it is called "piston slap"
X2. Every year I start my car in the spring, it sounds like a broken washer machine for about 10 seconds, and even all through the year when I start the car after sitting for a week, it still gives out a few odd valve train sounds, not really taps, or anything broken but you know that it's there. Get use to it over time. A lot of little noises go away once the engine heats up to 100 degrees. Or at least that's been my experience since I bought the 2003 in 03. Once warmed up it's silent, all you can hear is the belts spining around 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I'm not sure I can agree as it sort of depends on the noise. If its a tapping sound up high on the engine, then its a lifter. If its down low with a deeper knock, then we can discuss the bottom end and piston slap. I had a lifter(s) fail but it did not happen till 274K miles and unless the OP has that kind of mileage on the engine...yes, a lifter can still fail earlier. If a lifter is bleeding down when cold, most likely the symptoms will appear over time such as a couple of seconds of tapping sounds and slowly progress till its tapping for like 30 seconds or even longer. Finally, as it wears and gives up, the lifter(s) will not seal up till the engine starts to heat up. Following that, total failure of the lifter to pressurize and loud tapping. It all depends on the sound and location.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
I'm not sure I can agree as it sort of depends on the noise. If its a tapping sound up high on the engine, then its a lifter. If its down low with a deeper knock, then we can discuss the bottom end and piston slap. I had a lifter(s) fail but it did not happen till 274K miles and unless the OP has that kind of mileage on the engine...yes, a lifter can still fail earlier. If a lifter is bleeding down when cold, most likely the symptoms will appear over time such as a couple of seconds of tapping sounds and slowly progress till its tapping for like 30 seconds or even longer. Finally, as it wears and gives up, the lifter(s) will not seal up till the engine starts to heat up. Following that, total failure of the lifter to pressurize and loud tapping. It all depends on the sound and location.
I mentioned Piston slap since it is a very common cold start issue that some Vortec and LSX engines have that usually shows up only on cold starts and gets worse with lower temperatures. My truck sounds like a diesel for about 30 seconds in temperatures below 30*F.
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
You may also hear some piston slap at one point of the life of your LS1 motor!
I run Mobil 1 10W 40 in my Boosted motor - but mine is forged and has aftermarket parts
but when I was stock I used Mobil 1 15W 50 and it quieted down - doesn't bleed out of the lifters as easily 
No need to add any other oil additives - just use the Mobil 1
Thanks,Matt
