GM 5.3 ticking

[72te27]

Rickey beat me to it. Cold piston slap is very common in the 5.3 and is considered "normal".
P Ultra unexpectedly minimized the piston slap on start-up in my 5.3 more than other synthetics. Edge was a close second.

 

[Whizbanger]

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like my truck is normal. Yesterday I started it after 7 days and it sounded just fine. Ticking stopped after about 30 secs.

 

[cowtipper]

I had a '99 Silverado that did that after 10k miles.It really has nothing to do with oil.I took it in to the dealer for it+they said it eas carbon buildup on the pistons.It only did it on startup.I took + pulled the plugs and shot some GM top engine cleaner in each cylinder,turned it oover a coulpe of times + replaced the plugs.I let it sit overnight+ the next morning VIOLA! no rattle!It came back about every 12-15k ,so I did it many times.Hope this helps!

 

[bigmike]

I used to have a tick at idle in my 4.8 (couldn't hear it otherwise). Found out a particular brand of gas caused it. Switched gas stations and never had another issue. I imagine that you've tried other gasoline brands?

 

[SteveSRT8]

07 should not have piston slap as it has the updated piston design.

Could easily be an injector, that's the only thing you hear on our many 5.3's.

Some of the quietest v-8's I've ever owned.