GM 6.0L piston slap/ticking AGAIN!

pufzilla · May 25, 2003

First off, I would like to thank everyone here for all the information! The dealer is NOT the best place for un-biased information!

I'm looking to purchase a late model (00-02) 3/4 ton and am concerned with the 6.0L engine "noises". So far I've driven 4 pre-owned trucked and have noticed the problem with 2 of them. I was wondering if this noisy engine is mainly in the '01's and '02's??? Is it true that GM went to aluminum heads in '01??? I know the '00 is cast iron. Here is what I've driven so far....

'00 C2500 56K - No noticeable sound

'00 C2500 23K - No noticeable sound

'01 C2500 HD 39K - noticeable ticking at initial start-up

'01 C2500 HD 41K - noticeable ticking at initial start-up

These all had the 6.0L engines and were all cold when started. Just curious if anyone has the piston slap/ticking issue with the '00's???

Cheryl

'89 C1500 - About to be retired!

Bogie · May 26, 2003

I haven't owned one myself, but a friend of mine had 2, an '01 and an '03...both of these trucks had 6.0's and the ticking on initial startup for about 10-15 seconds, then it went away. The 03 started at 30,000 km (18,000 miles). GM told him this was normal and he just had to live with it.

mcali17 · May 26, 2003

Here is a TSB that may apply to the noise.

File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System

Bulletin No.: 02-06-01-038

Date: December, 2002

TECHNICAL

Subject:

Engine Knock or Lifter Noise (Replace 0-Ring)

Models:

2001-2002 Chevrolet Camaro

2001-2003 Chevrolet Corvette

2001-2002 Pontiac Firebird

2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2000-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

2001-2003 Chevrolet Silverado

2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

2000-2003 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2001-2003 GMC Sierra

with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V8 Engine (VINs V, T, Z, G, S, N, U - RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)

Condition

Some customers may comment on an engine tick noise. The distinguishing characteristic of this condition is that it likely will have been present since new, and is typically noticed within the first 161-322 km (100-200 mi). The noise may often be diagnosed as a collapsed lifter. Additionally, the noise may be present at cold start and appear to diminish and then return as the engine warms to operating temperature. This noise is different from other noises that may begin to occur at 3219-4828 km (2000-3000 mi).

Cause

The 0-ring seal between the oil pump screen and the oil pump may be cut, causing aeration of the oil.

Correction

Inspect the 0-ring seal and replace as necessary. Use the applicable part number listed below. Refer to the Engine Mechanical sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

BDBWTE · May 26, 2003

Mine ticks.. our shop truck not so much... but I don't care it will be fine.

DaveD · May 28, 2003

The more important TSB if buying used is #01-06-01-028. It covers 1999-2002 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 engines on engine knock at startup onC/K pickups and utility models and includes the 2002 Cadillac Escalade 2WD. problem begins in the first 12000-15000 miles of use, noticed at cold staqrt (yeah right, its 75 degrees outside and mine does it) and usually disappears within the 1st 5-30 seconds (mine disappears in 5 minutes and the dealer said it was normal. Says problem may be more pronounced on the first cold start following a long trip (fits my symptoms but now it happens all the time). TSB says it doesn't hurt anything!!

BobScheirer · July 8, 2003

I have a 2001 Silverado C2500HD with 6L engine, purchased used at 18K miles. Had a ticking noise on startup that lasted anywhere from 10 secs to 1 min. Noise is now more pronounced at 29K miles. I talked with the dealership today. They said to bring it in, and leave it overnite. They will give me a free loaner car. They will verify the noise the next morning. The service advisor thinks it is carbon on the pistons. Then I am to call the GM customer service, and advise them of the situation. They will contact my dealer to verify that they are aware of the situation, and then issue me a free extended power train warranty. They advisor said they are doing this in the states of CA, VT, and NH. I am in NH. Other states they are doing component letters. My appointment is next week. Will advise. Bob

Tfin · July 9, 2003

Definately keep us updated Bob. I live in ME and have an 02 Silverado with the 4.8L. It has the knock/tic sound on start up. But sometimes even after I've been driving for a while as well. I've only got 23,500 miles and will be bringing it in before my warranty expires to have it checked/confirmed.

robsawatsky · July 9, 2003

Yes, the 6.0 went to aluminum heads in 2001. The 4.8 and 5.3 have been aluminum all along. The Duramax Diesel is cast aluminum heads too.

jek2424 · July 22, 2003

i have a 02 2500HD with the 6.0 and it ticks, at times sounds like a very faint diesel sound. dealership said to live with it? has anybody heard anything about them being able to fix it yet?

BDBWTE · July 26, 2003

Yes, the 6.0 went to aluminum heads in 2001. The 4.8 and 5.3 have been aluminum all along. The Duramax Diesel is cast aluminum heads too.

It's so wrong to have aluminum heads sitting on a high compression diessel. That some a$$hole like me is going to add boost and propane too.

Anyways my engine doesn't make a ticking noise sometimes when it's cold it makes a down right diesel clatter noise. I'm like oh well GM owns if for another 40,000miles. Then time to buy a new one.