Valve Lifters Need Replacement
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 81
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Valve Lifters Need Replacement
I brought my '05 C6 (31K miles) in because of a clattering at start up that lasts until engine is warm. I was told that I have a lifter that is leaking and all 16 will be changed out next Tuesday. Is this normal for this milage and what damage can occur if I drive it before repaired?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
First I've heard of this problem. There are a few 2005s out there with 30K+ so I'd think if it is a prevalent problem we would have heard. Assuming your not planning any smokey burnouts at WOT or and 1/4 mile excursions I doubt it would hurt to drive it. But others might know better...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
NORMAL...no. 
Sorry, I got jumped on for using the word "normal" to describe a condition that is common but not normal.
Anyway, noisy lifters at start up are common, even on the '08's, but it isn't normal and shouldn't occur. You didn't say if it was a dealer service dept that told you all 16 would be replaced. If it was a dealer, is it a warranty issue? If you are paying for this repair I suggest you wait for more knowledgeable responses here and/or get a second opinion. You describe your condition as "clattering at start up that lasts until engine is warm". In most of the cases discussed on the forum, the lifter clatter only lasts a few seconds after start-up, basically until oil pressure is established and pumps the lifter(s) up again. If your's is only doing that, then it isn't cause for concern. If in fact yours lasts until the engine is actually warm then that, IMO, is cause for concern. In the former situation, something as simple as an oil change and a new/better filter with anti drain back valve may solve the problem. IMO, driving the car will not be a problem. Anyway, good luck. Keep us informed.
Sorry, I got jumped on for using the word "normal" to describe a condition that is common but not normal. Anyway, noisy lifters at start up are common, even on the '08's, but it isn't normal and shouldn't occur. You didn't say if it was a dealer service dept that told you all 16 would be replaced. If it was a dealer, is it a warranty issue? If you are paying for this repair I suggest you wait for more knowledgeable responses here and/or get a second opinion. You describe your condition as "clattering at start up that lasts until engine is warm". In most of the cases discussed on the forum, the lifter clatter only lasts a few seconds after start-up, basically until oil pressure is established and pumps the lifter(s) up again. If your's is only doing that, then it isn't cause for concern. If in fact yours lasts until the engine is actually warm then that, IMO, is cause for concern. In the former situation, something as simple as an oil change and a new/better filter with anti drain back valve may solve the problem. IMO, driving the car will not be a problem. Anyway, good luck. Keep us informed.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
Danny,
GM contacted the dealership to replace all 16 lifters then it is covered under the warranty as you have only 31K miles.
The car can be driven, just let the engine warm up and then drive and don't go into the upper rpm range and you will be okay.
GM contacted the dealership to replace all 16 lifters then it is covered under the warranty as you have only 31K miles.
The car can be driven, just let the engine warm up and then drive and don't go into the upper rpm range and you will be okay.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,898
Likes: 4,351
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
It isn't normal and it isn't even that common. I have driven a variety of different C6's with LS2s and never heard that kind of clatter at start up. There is likely only one bad lifter, but I would think it prudent by the dealer/GM to replace all while you were in there. As long as there isn't any noise after warm-up, everything will be fine driving.
Here is some interesting information about hydraulic lifters. After reading this, you may feel more comfortable with what you are hearing.
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html
Here is some interesting information about hydraulic lifters. After reading this, you may feel more comfortable with what you are hearing.
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
There was a oil filter study paper done a few years ago. A number of people who used Fra (You guess the last letter. It comes in an orange box BTW) filters had lifter noise and even engine failure due to the restricted oil flow from the oil filter. Do google search for oil filter study for an interesting read.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
A leaking lifter will simply not pump up to its full length which will in turn cause the valve not to fully open, leading to lost power in that cylinder. Valve events remain unchanged, so you should not have problems there. This is mechanically a pretty harmless problem.
It is possible, but unusual to have a "leaking" lifter, however and it would be tough to diagnose without actually testing the part. Lifters can break (very bad; usually = trashed motor), they can collapse due to excessive spring pressure (won't happen on a stock car), and they can break a valve by pumping up excessively due to oil pressure under high rpm (again, won't happen within the OEM engine operating parameters).
Anyway, you're covered by warranty so don't worry about it and just get the lifters replaced. Worst case scenario, you get new parts free.
It is possible, but unusual to have a "leaking" lifter, however and it would be tough to diagnose without actually testing the part. Lifters can break (very bad; usually = trashed motor), they can collapse due to excessive spring pressure (won't happen on a stock car), and they can break a valve by pumping up excessively due to oil pressure under high rpm (again, won't happen within the OEM engine operating parameters).
Anyway, you're covered by warranty so don't worry about it and just get the lifters replaced. Worst case scenario, you get new parts free.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
From: Littleton CO
I haven't noticed, thankfully, any such noice on my '05 Vette. I have had 3 or 4 such occurrences on my '07 Silverado with the 5.3L aluminum block engine, and one went on for several minutes. I've taken it to the dealer, who was only able to replicate the noise once for a few seconds. Dealer didn't offer any explanations, but changed the oil/filter. To date, I've not heard any subsequent lifter noise. Vehicle only has 2600 miles and I check oil levels very frequently so whatever is/was going on was not due to a low oil level.
