>> Switch to Mobile Version <<
 |
Show the world you're a member
of this great
online community.
 |
Join the ChevyTalk Mailing List
Check us out on the following
Social Networks
    
|
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
05-26-12 03:36 PM - Post#2230098
Hi all been a while from my last post here as I doing a lot of driving back & forth from Utah to California taking care of my very sick Mom. Quick question if I may, my 2003 Avalanche 2wd with 5.3L engine has a very light "ticking" noise that I only hear at 2,500 rpms under load, like from a stop light or uphill driving, lower than that no ticking, higher than that rpm no tickine either, just 2,500 rpms. Sounds like a lifter, but only happens at this certain rpm range. I have 125,000 on the clock now and changed out the plugs at 110,000, but didn't change the plug wires. Anyone else have this issue? I always change my oil at 3,000 miles and use the correct AC delco anti drainback filter with the correct weight 5w-30 oil. It just started about 1,000 miles ago, and was worse when it first started, as I thought I had bought some bad gasoline in all these trips back & forth. The ticking cannot be heard under the hood, as I has my wife run the engine in park up to 2,500 rpms a bit at a time. The truck runs great as always, but am puzzled as now the ticking, when heard, is really hard to hear at all, thought maybe a coil going bad or plug wire breaking down on load. Thanks for any imput, just trying to not breakdown untill I have more time to fix as Mom improves....
|
|
sgian
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4438
Loc: MO
Reg: 12-25-03
|
05-26-12 05:51 PM - Post#2230143
In response to utahpaul
Could it be pinging? The light load and possibly bad gasoline make me wonder about whether it is pinging you are hearing.
| 04 Silverado Z71, 10 Cobalt |
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
05-27-12 02:03 PM - Post#2230404
In response to sgian
Maybe just that, but the "pinging" is not as bad as it was a few tanks of gas ago ( my avalanche holds 31 gallons, about 600 miles a tank ) but I can still barely hear it now and only at 2,500 rpms with a uphill load or from standing start, thanks again for your help, any other ideas guys?
|
 black95jimmy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 8194
Loc: Venice, FL
Reg: 01-05-02
|
05-27-12 02:12 PM - Post#2230407
In response to utahpaul
Knock Sensors MAY not be working. Just a thought. 
82 Monte Carlo SC, 355 w/Vortec heads, roller rockers, 670 Street Avenger, Pypes true duals.
2000 Sub.5.3L 40 Gallons of gas @ $3.45/gal. bla bla bla. |
|
Bad Bowtie
Senior Member
Posts: 4243
Age: 40
Loc: TX
Reg: 07-04-03
|
 05-28-12 12:04 PM - Post#2230787
In response to black95jimmy
What other maintence have you done to this truck over the years??
Any Seafoam treatments? Fuel delivery/injector system cleaning?
|
mwright1
Senior Member
Posts: 637
Loc: Naperville, IL
Reg: 04-05-04
|
05-28-12 07:49 PM - Post#2230937
In response to black95jimmy
Knock Sensors MAY not be working. Just a thought
Wouldn't the Check Engine light come on if the knock sensor were not not working? How else would you know?
| If it ain't broke open it up and make it better
03 Silverado 5.3 Z71 |
|
black95jimmy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 8194
Loc: Venice, FL
Reg: 01-05-02
|
05-29-12 04:50 AM - Post#2231008
In response to mwright1
They don't ALWAYS throw a code.
82 Monte Carlo SC, 355 w/Vortec heads, roller rockers, 670 Street Avenger, Pypes true duals.
2000 Sub.5.3L 40 Gallons of gas @ $3.45/gal. bla bla bla. |
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
06-13-12 05:06 PM - Post#2236812
In response to black95jimmy
Hi guys, been a few weeks from my last post here, still back & forth to Calif t care for Mom....as to the truck, light pinging still there, and again only at 2,500 rpms, none before or after that rpm range, and nothing under the open hood at that range. 105 degrees yesterday coming through the desert, 7 hr drive, 70 mph.....pull in the driveway, unload the Avalanche, restart and park her in the garage, get out while she's running and I can hear a buzzing sound from the gas tank area ( 25 gallons in the tank ). So I shut the truck off knowing that the sound is probably coming from the fuel pump. a hour later I restart it so my wife can hear and all is running fine, sounds fine again.....drive it around today in 100+ heat and all is still fine. Time to have a new fuel pump installed?......... Called three shops and with a Delphi replacement part & labor? $700 - $800  yet one of the trusted tech's I call tells me not to worry, that these GM trucks all make some buzzing from the tanks pumps now & then, yeah, ok, but I just don't want to get stranded, he also says that even after a new pump is installed it could still make this sound now and then. I've owned this Avalanche from new in 2003, always taken very good care of her and have never heard this noise from the pump. I change out the fuel filter each year, some seafoam in the tank some 5,000 miles ago last year, new plugs 5,000 miles ago too. I change out the oil each 3,500 miles, rotate the tires, lube, belts, etc....have you guys had to change out your fuel pump yet?
|
 someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23375
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
|
06-13-12 05:45 PM - Post#2236833
In response to utahpaul
Hey Paul,
Considering Rockauto shows the Delphi pump for the 5.3 (non-flex) for $242 and Delco for $275, and Delphi same part # for 5.3 flex fuel...also check them on Rockauto and run the part #'s through Amazon for usually an even better price, I would absolutely not pay any shop $700-$800 to do the job!
Even if you went with the more expensive Delphi pump and the "low" quote of $700, that's $425 in labor. It's no fun dropping a tank but a $7 siphon hose and a 5 gallon can, along with another vehicle to empty the can into if need be, the empty tank is MUCH easier to drop and work with.
In my experience the higher pressure pumps that came along with introduction of the first gen Vortec V8's in 1996, do tend to make a buzzing or humming noise but usually they're pretty consistent, and it's a change in noise - whether in volume or the particular tone of it - is usually what is signalling trouble.
At 125K miles if you're on the original pump it just may be time to do it. Not sure what kind of miles guys are seeing with pumps on the LS engines but 100K is typical expectancy of the stock pumps on the 96-up trucks - not to say some didn't last considerably longer; there are always exceptions. Heck the old TBI system pumps can really surprise you; the original one in my girlfriend's '93 ALMOST made it 200K! Just a few hundred miles shy.
Richard
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
06-13-12 06:11 PM - Post#2236855
In response to someotherguy
Thanks for the reply Richard, The trucks been running fine, no buzzing sound at all, just that one time, and yeah all the shops are in that price range, I do have a shop manual for the Avalanche, and do most of my own wrenching, just didn't know if I needed a special wrench to get the retainer ring off ( that holds the pump to the tank ) and does the replacement delphi part have the factory connectors to plug and play after install? Yeah, 105 here in southern Utah all this weekend but yes the truck can be drained via a siphon pump into our other car & truck, really hate to give up $400+ in labor and got three weeks until my next California trip to take care of Mom....at least the truck is starting and running well at this time, no surging, etc....
|
someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23375
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
|
06-13-12 07:52 PM - Post#2236905
In response to utahpaul
I'm guessing here but the tank is probably the same as the mid-97-up stuff where instead of the old style lock ring, it has what is basically a large snap ring. Snap ring pliers will get it off there for you. You'll also need fuel line disconnect tools, which can be had pretty cheaply at most parts stores. The little plastic ones work OK; you might try an O'Reilly or whoever as they have aluminum ones in the Performance Tool brand. Still pretty cheap.
The Delphi pump will be OEM fit just like the AC Delco.
I'm not saying you should run out and replace it, but it is getting up there in miles and they often will croak without much warning, if any.
Richard
|
 wagonman100
Super Senior Member
Posts: 12930
Loc: Baltimore, MD
Reg: 11-27-04
|
06-14-12 08:35 PM - Post#2237271
In response to someotherguy
I just replaced my pump at 137,000 miles back in November. No warnings, but it did still run. It just started to run poorly (low fuel pressure).
Mine had the lock ring on it. It's a '99 NBS. I bought a factory replacement module since I get a very good discount. I did have to do some wiring changes because the plug had changed.
Jay
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints.
1999 Silverado Z71 4X4 extra-cab short bed
1983 Malibu Fauxmad - tubbed
1978 El Camino Kustomized
1972 Monte Carlo
1957 210 handyman wagon
1957 Nomad sport wagon |
|
elcamino
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4812
Loc: Lake Superior-Michigan US...
Reg: 03-30-00
|
06-15-12 05:09 AM - Post#2237332
In response to utahpaul
I was reading about the tick you have and then I read another post on another forum about someone else with same problem on the same engine. Only his started after stwitching to Pennzoil in his high mileage truck after he knew that the previous owner had use Mobil since it was new. Within miles of installing the Pennzoil the tick started. Coincidence? And his comes and goes at various speeds.
Oil gets air into it, and won'dissipate. Petroleum oils contain as much as 12 percent dissolved air.
Mike
2009 Cadillac CTS4 AWD Performance Sedan
2012 GMC Sierra AWD Denali 6.2L |
|
mitch2264
Contributor
Posts: 207
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
Reg: 10-11-02
|
06-15-12 05:16 AM - Post#2237335
In response to wagonman100
Mine bit the dust last month at 131,000 miles on my 97. I had the shop replace it and they charged me $212.50 for labor (2.50 hours @ $85.00). Mine always made a buzzing noise. The new one is as quiet as a church mouse. Mine did not give any sort of drama--one day it worked and the next day it did not! At least the old truck had the decency to die in the driveway 
To add to this, I had a 99 Suburban and that one always had a LOUD fuel pump! On my 05 Escalade, you can hear the pump prime when you turn the key to "On" (normal), but once she is cranked the pump is pretty silent. Other than the gurgling of massive quantities of gasoline being ingested into the engine ;). Big girl does like her fuel!
Good luck to you--and God bless you for looking after your mom!
1997 GMC Sierra C1500 SLE
2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2009 Toyota Venza
|
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
06-15-12 09:17 PM - Post#2237670
In response to mitch2264
 Thanks guys for all the help ( as always ) yes, have to get back to California much too soon  to take care of Mom's affairs, but she is doing better, just can't walk yet ( rehab center ) but the Avalanche is still running great as always, just driving close to home, going to take the wife's car this trip back and work on the fuel pump when we return in late July. as to the Oil, it has always been changed out at 3,500 miles, AC filter, Chevron oil this time around, 5w-30 as always too but yes still ticking at 2,500 rpms, no more no less.
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
07-01-12 03:34 PM - Post#2243419
In response to utahpaul
Wow, been rough "N" tumble time for me & my few family members from my last post, now my dear 92 Grandma, my Mom's mom is in the same hospital!  Fell down and hurt her self real bad, but will survive. Going to be released to the same rehab center that Mom is at currently. Packing as I write this, heading out. As for the Avalanche, still running great as to the fuel pump, still makes the tick at 2,500 but found out only after being fully warmed up, as when cold, no tick / light knock at any rpm range, yet now I can hear the ticking/light knock outside the truck & under the hood, but only at 2,500 rpms . Been 105 daily here in southern Utah, I run 87 octane ( with at least 10% corn ), but think maybe trying 89 - 91 to see if it helps ( thanks Jay! ). Also found new set ACDelco plug wires & fuel pump on amazon.com, done a cross referance at ACDelco ( thanks Richard! ) for the part number for my vin#. Great price for all the parts, will order soon as we get back from California & taking care of Mom & Now Grandmom! Wow, when it rains it pours....... looking foward to coming back home, setting on my butt in my garage with the Ventures on, popping a cold one and working on the truck to mellow out, that's my way of chillin' and destressing......Have a safe & Happy 4th everyone!
|
wagonman100
Super Senior Member
Posts: 12930
Loc: Baltimore, MD
Reg: 11-27-04
|
07-03-12 04:45 AM - Post#2243898
In response to utahpaul
I'll add your grandma to my prayers Paul. May you be safe on you trips.
Jay
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints.
1999 Silverado Z71 4X4 extra-cab short bed
1983 Malibu Fauxmad - tubbed
1978 El Camino Kustomized
1972 Monte Carlo
1957 210 handyman wagon
1957 Nomad sport wagon |
|
mitch2264
Contributor
Posts: 207
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
Reg: 10-11-02
|
07-03-12 06:05 AM - Post#2243923
In response to utahpaul
Good luck to you an yours-safe travels! I will say a prayer as well!
Mitch
1997 GMC Sierra C1500 SLE
2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2009 Toyota Venza
|
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
07-28-12 03:26 PM - Post#2253064
In response to mitch2264
Just got back a few days ago guys, Grandma is back at her home! and we got my Mom moved to a real nice assited living place for now as she continues to rehab. All your prayers did in fact help! I was going to order the Avalanche parts, but to my surprise, thursday our 7 year old hot water heater blew, had to move stuff, mop, replace, Wow....then the same day my best buddy, who lives a few miles from Mom in so Cal, calls to tell me his Mom had died! So off we go again for her funeral  .....took the Avalanche out with some 91 octane mixed in the tank and the light ticking is still there but not as bad, seems to come and go, but can still hear it with truck in park and rev up engine and hold it at 2,500 rpms but still no knock below 2,500 or above. ( knock sensor?? ) Taking my wifes car back to Ca. I'll get my new AC delco plug wires on ASAP when we get back home ( again ) Trucks running real fine, just don't want to get us stuck in the mojave desert in summer with 110 heat. Thanks for everthing guys
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
07-28-12 05:27 PM - Post#2253112
In response to utahpaul
Almost forgot to ask, who makes the best spark plug wire/boot removal plyer tool? I know the metal boot covers are a bear to remove without the plyer, any good make/model # plyer you can give me advice on? Thanks again!
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
08-08-12 03:23 PM - Post#2257247
In response to utahpaul
Well guys, got the new plug wires on today and she still has a tick/light knock at 2,500 rpms, runs just fine otherwise, never another fuel pump issue from the one time noise. Spark plug wire plyer I bought is a oem brand from pep boys, works great...
|
Smitty_Chevy
Contributor
Posts: 791
Age: 63
Loc: Atlanta & Yazoo, MS
Reg: 10-29-08
|
08-17-12 11:06 PM - Post#2260505
In response to utahpaul
Sometimes a little more volume on the radio and a little less worry will do wonders for those little annoying sounds.
|
utahpaul
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1142
Reg: 09-16-07
|
08-18-12 11:57 AM - Post#2260634
In response to Smitty_Chevy
yeah, like Little Richard's "Ya keep a Knockin'" Trucks running fine, I think it's carbon knock, seafoam time...
|
|
|
|
|
Report Post
Quote Post
Quick Reply
|
|
Print Topic
Email Topic
3362 Views
|
|
|
|
|
Gain extra benefits by becoming a Supporting Member 
drtyler (4)
