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What are the symptoms of lifter failure on Silverado?

If you own a Chevrolet Silverado, you may encounter an issue known as lifter failure. Lifter failure can cause a range of symptoms that indicate a problem with your vehicle's engine. In this article, we'll explore the common symptoms associated with lifter failure on the Silverado.


Ticking or Knocking Noise


One of the most common symptoms of lifter failure on the Silverado is a ticking or knocking noise coming from the engine. This noise is typically caused by the lifters not functioning properly, which can lead to the valves not opening and closing correctly. The ticking or knocking sound may be more noticeable when the engine is cold or under load.


Loss of Power and Reduced Fuel Efficiency


As the lifters fail, the engine's performance can suffer. You may notice a loss of power, especially during acceleration or when towing heavy loads. Additionally, you may experience a decrease in fuel efficiency, as the engine is not operating at its optimal level.p>

Rough Idling and Misfiring


Lifter failure can also cause the engine to idle roughly or misfire. This can result in a jerky or uneven driving experience, particularly at lower speeds or when the engine is under light load. The misfiring can be caused by the valves not opening and closing properly, leading to incomplete combustion.


Check Engine Light Illumination


If the lifter failure is severe enough, it may trigger the check engine light on your Silverado's dashboard. This is the vehicle's way of alerting you to a problem that requires attention. The specific error code associated with lifter failure may vary, so it's important to have the code read by a professional to determine the root cause.


Conclusion


Lifter failure on the Chevrolet Silverado can manifest in various ways, including ticking or knocking noises, loss of power and fuel efficiency, rough idling, and check engine light illumination. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and address the issue before it leads to more extensive engine damage.

What does lifter failure feel like?


  • Engine Noise : A common symptom is a ticking or tapping noise coming from the engine, particularly when it's cold.
  • Rough Idle : If the engine idles roughly or vibrates excessively, it could be a sign that one or more lifters are failing to operate correctly.
  • Loss of Power : A noticeable decrease in engine perfor



Can you drive with lifter failure?


It is possible to drive a car with a broken lifter, but it is not recommended. A broken lifter can cause the engine to run poorly, emit excessive noise, and even damage other engine components. The lifters are responsible for opening and closing the valves in the engine.



How do you know which lifter is bad?


A faulty lifter has a distinct sound which makes it easily identifiable, even before you lift the hood. Instead of a knock or pinging sound, a faulty lifter will create a tapping sound within your engine which can quickly get annoying.



Will thicker oil get rid of lifter tick?


You need to use the viscosity of oil your owner's manual specifies. This is the rating the manufacturer has determined is the ideal viscosity for your engine. Deviating from that in any way can create several engine problems, including noisy lifters.



How to tell if lifters are bad on a Chevy Silverado?


Ticking Noises: A common sign of lifter problems is a ticking or tapping noise coming from the engine. This noise is often most noticeable at startup or during acceleration.



What happens when AFM lifters fail?


If the AFM lifter unlocks as soon as the engine is started, low compression will result on that cylinder and a misfire code will be stored. Collapsed or stuck AFM lifters due to oil contamination will result in the same. Contamination/sludge is a major concern, prompting some to re-evaluate mileage service intervals.



Is it OK to drive with a bad lifter?


In summary, driving with bad lifters is not advisable, as it can lead to further engine damage and increased repair costs. Recognizing the symptoms of bad lifters, such as ticking noises, engine misfires, and reduced performance, is crucial for timely intervention.



Is it worth fixing a lifter tick?


If it's caught early on, a new lifter is all you'll need - if neglected, a lifter can ruin a camshaft or entire engine in no time.



How do you stop a lifter from ticking?


Once you verify the lifter ticking is not caused by a worn-out lifter or some other damaged part, the best thing to do is change the oil. Get rid of all the oil currently in the engine and flush it out before adding new oil.



What year of Chevy Silverado 1500 have lifter problems?


The models affected are Chevrolet Silverado trucks from 2016 to present and, most particularly the 2021 models with 5.3L and 6.2L engines.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.