2000 GMC 1500 w/ 210K miles; Mobile 1 most of it's life; at least for the past 100K.

Ticking sound, like a stuck lifter, remains constantly. It used to come on at first crank then go away; it doesn't go away now. I've tried a few additives from Lucas and SeaFoam; to no avail.

Is this constant stuck lifter (assuming it is) damaging? Suggestions for remedy?

What fixes this?

Thank you all.

---Bryant

 

Well these motors have a roller cam and lifter set up from factory. So if you think it might be a lifter then take the intake off and inspect the lifters to be sure. But you might look into an exhaust leak. A very very small leak will sound like a tapping sound. At start up it will sound but when warmed up and the metal expands it will seal until it gets worse. Just a suggestion friend.

 

I have a 2001 Sierra and I too had a "tick" that just appeared out of nowhere. At first I thought it was an exhaust leak. I had a fuel pump replaced and the shop told me it was an A/C compressor bearing so I just left it alone. I find out later while replacing my water pump that the belt for the A/C compressor was all but gone. No ribs just belt! Replaced it and now it purrs like a kitten. Hope this helps. Only a $20 fix!!!

 

I had a similar sound going on. Could not figure it out for the life of me. It ended up being the parking break release handle was just wiggling around. Wow.

 

Given the info you have presented it could be a problem however just to throw this info out there in case it is what is going on i have a 2001 sierra with the 5.3 motor. I have had a "tick" since pretty much my truck was broke in. I guess it was around 6k miles. Needless to say i was curious about this as well. I looked into it and talked to several mechanics including my cousin who is a mechanic at a GM dealership. Supposedly these motors for the early 2000's were made what they all call "loose". So its not really a problem if this is what it is. It can be fixed but its not a problem so its not worth going through the trouble to get to it. My truck currently has about 160k miles on it and never had a problem with it except for the fuel pump. My dad also has a 01 Gmc Sierra with the 5.3. Same exact problem, it has 180k on it. My lawyer has a 02 Gmc Yukon with the 5.3 he has 220k on his and same problem. Maybe another problem but just throwing that out there. I would talk to a mechanic though.

Thanks,
WWJD