5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

Got a 2007 GMC 1500 I bought new, it now has 248K on it and has developed a intermittent ticking noise on the drivers side. I was told it was a rocker arm that needed to be replaced. Anybody seen this issue? Should I isolate which rocker it is and replace it or is there more to the problem? Otherwise great vehicle, can park a 10 year old truck on the driveway and it doesn't leak a drop of anything. Thanks in advance.

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

When I worked for the city of Los Angeles, our fleet had a lot of those trucks. A few of them developed rocker noise like you described. Isolate the rocker and remove it for inspection. They are roller rockers, sometimes parts get loose.

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

I have two sets of heads I bought with rockers on them so I have a bunch. If I remember installing a rocker on these engines involves only a torque setting when tightening them correct?

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

Sad to day you may have a worn camshaft. Have seen a few in the dealership with a top end tick noise.

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

That is correct.

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

Giving that it's intermittent I would say there is a chance it's not the cam.

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

GM had a bulletin # PIP4499B regarding lifters also u might check oil pump O ring over time (yours is old 248K and 10 years) they get hard and do not seal properly allowing air to pass thru the system and causing intermittent oil pressure very common in 5.3 engines

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

If you Google GM lifter/valvetrain noise there are a lot of "fixes" . Most involve pouring some type of product into the oil to clean crud out of the lifters . Seafoam comes to mind , or Marvel Mystery Oil . Worth a try before getting inside the engine .

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

After not hearing it all weekend it came back briefly this morning when was still cold. No noise when I stopped for gas. BTW turned 249K this morning. So first thing this morning I will figure out which rocker/lifter/valve is making the noise, if it does it again, and then try some of the "fixes"mentioned. Still going to buy valve cover gaskets in case we have to pull a cover.

Re: 5.3 LS Top End Noise
 

I have seen many worn push rods and rocker arms the end of the push rod will look ovaled and shinier than the rest many cams and cam bearing but not for intermittent noise I work in a gm dealership