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OT : GMC lifter problem/another forum ?

A

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
I have a '03 GMC Sonoma w/4.3 engine and for the longest time now a left bank hydraulic lifter clatters when started (good oil pressure); this does not occur all the time and when it does, sometimes only briefly and at other times the lifter clatters for longer periods(minutes). So, having said that I am wondering if anyone has ever changed lifters in this particular year and engine model; and if the horror stories I hear are correct ? Also, what is a "good" forum to ask these question on/about my concerns.

thanks gents for all your thoughts and help.


Jim
 
Don't know that particular engine, BUT, in the mid 80's, when we had lifter clatter, we would add a quart of automatic transmission fluid to crankcase-Drive it for maybe 100 miles, change fluid and filter. Often times, that would quiet them down nicely. Greg
 
Thanks for the reply... I have tried a few additives but no luck. The engine has 76k on it and my main concern is that when the clatter does occur the parts that are being affected are oilless and wear at it's maximum is taking place; and sooner or later I'll have myself a major problem becuase of it. I change oil regularly and use good flters and good oil (Castol/Pennzoil) 5W30 WT. as recommended. I know for sure it doesn't do any good to allow the lifter(s) to clatter.
 
If I remeber right, the 4.3 is just a short 5.7, so it's a pretty straight forward job, just time consuming. Hopefully, it hasn't hurt the cam yet. Probably something that should be fixed soon. Lifters are relatively cheap, so of course you would want to replace all of them while you're in there. Good luck.
 
Jim. go to Bat Auto, scroll down to domestics and type in your question. There are some smart people on there that will help.
 
I would try Seafoam or Z Max in the crankcase before thinking about changing a lifter or lifters. I had a 1972 Pontiac that would start clattering between four and five thousand miles on an oil change. Change oil and it woud stop. If I got around and changed oil at three thousand miles it never started to clatter.
 
Your saying it is a 4.3 V6 with lifter tick set off alarm bells with me. A buddy with a 4.3 in an Astro van had noises like that, took it to the local GM dealer where the tech diagnosed it as needing new lifters. The spent big bucks replacing all lifters and still had the same noise.
He allowed them to get away with that and just lived with the noise until a few weeks later when it developed an oil leak at the front of the engine. Back at the same dealer, they found the worn out timing chain that was slapping the chain cover and making the ticking noise, had worn a hole in the cover and was leaking the oil.

Check that chain before you do an expensive lifter job.
 
That engine has a ROLLER cam and a lifter that ticks occasionally HAS NOT hurt the cam, nor WILL it (ever).

It will just annoy the driver.

(Some 4.3's are prone to balance shaft bearing problems reading to noise and engine failure. I have NO idea if his is subject to any of those problems, if it is, that's a whole 'nother "can of worms".)
 
Thanks for the thought Allen , but I am positive it is a lifter (and the same one all the time when it's doing it).


There are some of these V-6's that in order to change the lifters it is a real big job -- some of them you even have to remove the heads in order to get the lifters out as they won't pass from the block via the head gasket and the machined surface of the headf(s). Do you know of any good sites where I may inquire to the accuracy of a repair for these lifters ?
Jim
 
Bob: do you have access to a manual that can tell if one has to remove the heads on this ' 03 4.3 GMC Sonma in order to change the lifters ?

Jim
 
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