ls1 lifter noise?

craigl · Newbie Joined: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 5 308.54 points

I have a 2000 T/A with only 40k on it. Last fall I noticed what seems to be lifter noise. On start up it ticks for about 30 to 45 seconds then quiets down. The oil pressure is way good so I thought maybe a lifter is leaking down overnight as it only usually does it on the first start of the day. Someone had said there were problems with stock lifters but then reading some of your posts I wonder if it could be piston slap. I guess with all the aluminum in these engines it could go away as it warms up. Then again twice in the last two years when I got on it there was a clatter like I may have floated a valve although the rpms weren't over 5500 between the shifts. Any input before I tear into it and replace the lifters would help.

squeeezer · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject:

im not the authority on ls builds but piston slap is most common

personal expierience revolves around the trucks

96capriceMGR · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:56 pm Post subject:

Lifters are blamed for a LOT of noises and are rarely the cause.

Piston slap or exhaust leak are more likely.

clay · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:22 pm Post subject:

In my wifes Mustang it did have a ticking lifter. Not just on startup, but one of those annoying continious rattles especially if you are driving beside a concrete wall in the interstate. The engine is getting pretty tired so I decided to test some of the miracle additives. My first shot was Rislone additive and a change to Rotella oil. I figured what the heck. After several thousand miles, it did finally go away. Been about 10 to 15 thousand miles since and it hasn't returned. Just a thought for a cheap try. Clay

squeeezer · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject:

[quote="96capriceMGR"]Lifters are blamed for a LOT of noises and are rarely the cause.

unless your dealing with a G.M. 3100 and 3400 Rolling Eyes

af2 · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:26 pm Post subject:

A lifter and a piston are 2 different noises!

Knarley Darley · Member Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 1247 540238.26 points

Seems like all the LS1s are like that. They all have a tick that never gets any worse, and they just keep running. My neighbor had a tick that sounded like the whole valve train had bled down when it idled. It was under warranty so he took it in and they pulled the heads, and replaced all the lifters and gave it back to him making the same noise. He took it back and it turned out to be a big crack in the block which was letting the oil leak internally so the lifters had low or no oil pressure. He ended up getting a new engine. His had about 70k when it happened.

lun40119 · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:29 pm Post subject:

10sec.et · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:41 pm Post subject:

SMOKEmUP · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:28 am Post subject:

My LS1 Camaro has the same noise (piston slap), however it still runs fine. Some LS1's are better than others.

craigl · Newbie Joined: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 5 308.54 points

thanks guys. Since everything seems fine with the engine outside of the initial start up clatter I'll probably just let it go for now. With the current economy I don't really want to tear into it now because I really want to go deeper into the engine anyways.