Hey guys!

I have a 2001 Suburban with a 8.1L (150,000miles), that has a strange problem.

It starts up and runs smother, sounds great, lots of power. However when I rev it to 2,500 RPMs I get a loud ticking sound. It sounds just like a rocker arm clapping. Now the noise is happening at lower rpms.

I just pulled off the valve covers and everything seems to be OK and tight. Now I suspect I have a weak lifter.

My question is, can I replace the lifters WITH OUT pulling the heads?

I have done this MANY times on Dodge trucks, but this is my first time to dig into the 8.1L. Do you have any tips or tricks? Estimated time doing this? Looks like a 3 hour job or so.


Kind regards,
Nathan

 

You gotta pull the heads off. Its actually pretty easy chore, thx to the LSX based design.

 

Looking down through the push-rod valley down towards the lifters it looks like I have lots of room, like 5 inches from the bottom of the lifter-valley to the head.
Are you 100% confident that I have to remove the heads?

EDIT,, Check out these pics I found
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-8-1L-496...#ht_500wt_1202

 

I don't know anything about this engine, but from the pictures on that ebay post, seems like it would be doable with the lower intake manifold removed.

 

You have to pull them im sure.

 

Is it because there isn't enough clearance to pull them with the heads on? I haven't messed with one yet. It just seems like they should come out with the heads on.

 

True, but this is not a LSX based motor. It's the L18

 

I asked the sell on EBAY if he could remove the lifter without pulling the heads, here is is response.

 

Yeah after my response last night I meant to edit and ask if it was LSX based. My fault guys. I assumed since it was in a 2001 that it was.

 

Great news!

Turned out to be a slightly bent pushrod. I had to special order the pushrod from Chevy, but other than that it was an easy fix. :-)