I know this has been talked about in a few other threads-----------but I am not satisfied that "the clicking, clattering is normal". Why was the noise not there before???? I got 750 miles on the engine and it was quiet and now it sounds like a bunch of junk under the hood!!! I am waiting to here a response from another member on his oil pump replacement. I won't be happy until this is fixed---------it is not right. Any new ideas on this????:(

clatter is odd, the "click and tick" noise has been in my LBZ since day one and my buddies LMM does it too he has about 5000 miles on his though. I've been told its an injector thing. Not to sure though. If its louder an has more clatter that maybe a different issue, possibly an oil pump related issue. but remember they maybe well refined...but they're still diesels, I notice a new noise everyday, nothing bad just a new observation. wish you the best though

I have a whole fleet of Cummins ISB's and I have had an LB7 and buddies with LLY's. I understand the diesel noise thing as it is related to fuel knock and compression and just plain old "diesel" sound. But this thing was pretty silent under the hood and now it sounds like when my LB7 had the idler pulley bearings go out. You walk by it and it sounds like something is going to break under there soon.

hdmod:

Try a search for typewriter tick. The fact that the noise comes and goes is not new, and quite common among several members here. The noise seems most prevalent either just after a new oil change, or just before you get ready to change the oil. The noise seems to disappear during the middle of your oil change interval. I have read that it has something to do with the air bubbles trapped inside the oil getting squished or compressed out by the bearings. There was a TSB on this. GM is not really sure why this happens, but if you feel that it is something different, take it back to the dealer, and have them check it. Good luck!

Mine does it too, but only after an oil change. It's really strange. I've got 20,000 on mine and it's done it for 1000 miles after both of the oil changes. Then it disappears. Sounds like a typewriter or the valve lash is set wrong on a gasser. Like I said, mine goes away so I'm not overly concerned with it. :)

Mine does it too and I searched for "engine tick" and found a long article about it and how its supposedly perfectly normal. Mine just started to do it and it was most obvious after I recently changed my oil. After reading it, I realized it was normal. I never had it before and I never heard it with my 04.5 LLY either. I use Valvoline synthetic and used it in both trucks.

This noise has no repair as a search will prove, I have been dealing with this concern at the dealer since 01..., and my lbz like others does the same thing..

This is all good to know. I just had my first oil change on my 07.5 this last week and now I hear the ticking noise. Engine was silent before. Guess I'll wait to see if it goes away.

Mine does it also after oil changes. Really freaked me out first couple times. There is a thread on this site that has a bulletin from GM that explains what the noise is and what it comes from. I can't remember the cause, but I remember reading that it does not affect reliability. I believe it's from tighter clearances in the motor that cause the clicking and clacking noise, but the clearances are in spec according to gm.

Air pockets in the oil interacting with the bearing, that and a very low noise floor for a diesel allows us to hear noises that were always there...if i remember reading the info...

This is my first diesel and it has always been relatively quiet compared to what I was expecting. For the hell of it around 5k miles i started putting fuel additive in it and it barely makes any noise at all now! i kind of miss it. Some guy even asked me the other night if it was a diesel... Now that i have ran 10+ tanks with additive, if I run without for a few i definitely notice it making that clack clack clack sound. If I add it back in at my next fill up after a few miles it magically disappears. I have been using power services.

I have been experiencing this phenomenon prior to my first oil change and even after switching to synthetic.

I don't know if this has any relation to what you guys are talking about but it might be something to try if all else has failed.

Well, I guess I will have to live with it----------but I am already tired of people walking by the truck when it is idling and saying "YOu better look into fixing what ever that is under the hood clattering!!!" I don't mind a diesel sound------------but this ain't no diesel sound!!!!!!! Enough said. THanks men!!!

But how does simply changing the oil make it tick? The 6.4 Ford has the same complaint. Once the engine sits for a few minutes the oil is all back in the pan. I have to wonder if the influx of air during an oil change from the drain plug, filter housing and oil fill cap has something to do with it. Diesels don't really have pcv valves or vacuum. Just ccv hoses routed back into the intake tract.

If there was air trapped in the oil and going through the oil pump and bearings the motor would be toast in a short order. Air and rubbing surfaces don't mix. Hope she blows before 5 years and 100000.

hdmod:

Try a search for typewriter tick. The fact that the noise comes and goes is not new, and quite common among several members here. The noise seems most prevalent either just after a new oil change, or just before you get ready to change the oil. The noise seems to disappear during the middle of your oil change interval. I have read that it has something to do with the air bubbles trapped inside the oil getting squished or compressed out by the bearings. There was a TSB on this. GM is not really sure why this happens, but if you feel that it is something different, take it back to the dealer, and have them check it. Good luck!

I've heard that all diesels do this, its just that the more refined they are getting there isnt any noise to cover it up.

I've heard that all diesels do this, its just that the more refined they are getting there isnt any noise to cover it up.

Then why didn't I here it the first 800 miles, though??? I ain't the smartest guy in town, but I do know that an airplane heading straight down is going to CRASH!!!!! lol. Noises like that just don't show up and disappear for no reason. I have had alternator bearings and idler baearing make noises and go away for awhile------------it is just a matter of time.
I own a fleet of school buses and noises that show up anywhere spell trouble sooner or later. I wouldn't care if the noise was there from the dealers lot. Now am I supposed to add some loud exhaust or something to mask this?? My LB7 was not much quieter than this LMM and there was none of this noise on that-------much less intermitant noise.

having the same problem after first oil change noise gone after 1000 miles.
had this problem with my 383 after I put in new cam and roller hyd lifters during oil change I would get air in the lifters and it took a couple of hundred miles to get all the air out of the lifters. don't know if the dmax has hyd lifters or solid. somebody know what type of lifters in the dmax if its hyd then that explains it. get rid of the air all works fine.

A copy of the gm bulletin for engine noise, I have handed this to our service advisors MANY times since 2001, and have heard it many,many times on the trucks i have worked on at the dealer..,,,,that being said noises on the internet are tough to listen too.....lol.......--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#02-06-01-022G: Information on Engine Ticking Noise - (Jun 19, 2007)


Subject: Information on Engine Ticking Noise


Models: 2001-2007 Chevrolet Silverado (Classic)

2003-2007 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500/C5500 Series

2006-2007 Chevrolet Express

2001-2007 GMC Sierra (Classic)

2003-2007 GMC TopKick C4500/C5500 Series

2006-2007 GMC Savana

with 6.6L Duramax™ Diesel Engine (VINs D, 1, 2, 6 -- RPOs LBZ, LB7, LLY, LMM)




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Some of the above vehicles may exhibit a random ticking noise that is most audible on an engine with a coolant temperature of 70°C (158°F) or higher and from idle to approximately 1500 RPM. The noise usually is most noticeable at the rear of the driver's side front wheel well. Customers may also comment about hearing a tick noise inside the vehicle at idle such as when sitting at a drive through window. All 6600 Duramax™ diesel engines have this condition; however, some are more audible than others. Engine build variation from engine to engine contributes to differences in perceived volume. All Duramax™ engines are manufactured to very close tolerances to meet the durability and reliability standards.

This noise is caused by the relationship of the engine cylinder block, crankshaft journals, bearing inserts and the oil film. This relationship may allow a vibration that resonates through the cylinder block and is heard as a metallic ticking noise. The noise could be described as an irregular ticking or clacking sound, like random typing on a mechanical typewriter.

This condition has been present in diesel engines produced for the last 20 or more years. The overall noise reduction in engines produced today makes this noise seem new when, in fact, it was masked by other noises in the past. Many manufacturers such as Isuzu, Hino, Mitsubishi, and Nissan report a similar condition in their diesel engines. Testing and engine teardowns with this condition reveal no condition that would affect reliability or durability of this engine.

Dealers should not attempt to compare any customer vehicles exhibiting this noise with other similar vehicles as the noise is different from vehicle to vehicle and this may lead to the incorrect conclusion that the vehicle has a condition. This noise is a normal operating characteristic of the engine. This noise has no short or long term effects on the engine. Do not attempt repairs for this noise.

Important: Replacing the engine or internal components for this noise will not reduce or eliminate the noise.

Please share the information found in this bulletin with customers who inquire about this condition. In the event they have additional questions or concerns, please advise them to contact Customer Assistance.

Well, I guess I will have to live with it----------but I am already tired of people walking by the truck when it is idling and saying "YOu better look into fixing what ever that is under the hood clattering!!!" They can say whatever they want, but when you drive away, keep in mind that you have one of the best, smoothest running diesels on the market today! ;) I don't mind a diesel sound------------but this ain't no diesel sound!!!!!!! Enough said. THanks men!!!

If there was air trapped in the oil and going through the oil pump and bearings the motor would be toast in a short order. Air and rubbing surfaces don't mix. Hope she blows before 5 years and 100000.
I think you missed a zero, it might blow at 1,000,000 miles, but not at 100,000! :) :)

KGT found you the TSB I was talking about. The sound is a little bit un-nerving, but it really is normal.
Stay positive, and don't worry about it! Enjoy your truck while you drive it.

I will try to be positive for sure!! :) Just remember I have an 03 still in the shop since January 5th with cylinder problem and they have no answer for that either at GM. I now have another $43K in a truck and GM is saying "It's OK". NOw that is un-nerving. I say this with tongue in cheek. But I wonder how many here could say that. Have a good day, guys. Keep on truckin'!!!

Its the turbo! thats what the dealer told me. Whatever!!!! Same though, only did it for about 1000 miles after oil change. Now with 7700, 2 changes later with 2700 on second change, its as quite as can be. Runs perfect though!

I think your dealer is blowing black smoke up your ass. Glad yours straightened out! Mine has too, but it still does it after every oil change - I'm not loosing any sleep over it, but it kinda bugs me when I hear it.

All you guys kinda eased my mind about the ticking but I have 85-90k miles now and just changed the oil about a couple weeks ago and have had it since. What gets me is that I am a first timer to the tick with much higher mileage than most of the replies here. Any thought of why mine would tick all of a sudden and not from day one oil change?
Mine is only noticeable while sitting still at idle and its on and off, not constent. Sounds like its on the drivers side but kinda low on the motor. Real noticeable though the wheel well on drivers side. Any ideas?

Its a normal noise, i have posted the bulletin that explains what is going on, I have heard it since 01 on them at the dealer...

The typewriter tick!

:)Mr.Tomrex; You have a funny way of words. However you do speak the truth. If anyone can blow black smoke, its the stealer. If you could put all the CRAP they come out with in the fuel tank of the truck, we would never have to buy fuel again. I changed my oil at 1000 miles and didnt hear any noise that I dont think I heard before the change. I guess all of them dont do it. These are louder than a gasser, so mabe I dont know what to listen for since this is my first diesel. It seems at every RPM I hear a different noise?????? I know one thing, as someone else pointed out, if you have a oil foaming problem the engine is not going to last long.
:lol2::lol2::lol2:

:( Changed oil Saturday, didn't drive it Sunday. First time running Amsoil and the new EO filter. I heard tonight on the way home at About 1300 RPM tick tick tick like a lifter driving down a side road after about 25 miles on the highway... I return to stock tune.... same slight tick??? I don't remember ever hearing ant ticking like this and I bought it new.:eek:

Anyone have it at one RMP like me? 1300:rolleyes:

I think I may have noisy injector since it not at idle. O NO!!!!

I've had the click since day one as well. The service manager at the local dealer told me its the injectors and normal. I have gotten use to the sound. Basically if its running good there is nothing to worry about. I do understand how you feel though cus when I hear a different noise from my truck I get freaked out and have to listen for it again..haha

Mine is quiet, before and after the oil change, But the next change I will listen real close.

The bulletin doesn't give an explanation. It only says:

"This noise is caused by the relationship of the engine cylinder block, crankshaft journals, bearing inserts and the oil film. This relationship may allow a vibration that resonates through the cylinder block and is heard as a metallic ticking noise."

So what is this relationship and how does it cause the vibration? What is vibrating? Is this relationship so much different on Diesels than on gassers? And if something is vibrating, it will also wear as it vibrates or cause something to wear.

And it has been present since at least 20 years in all kinds of Diesel engines? But nobody noticed it because they were louder than Duramaxes? I don't believe it.

I think this whole thing is crap,if its a normal condition then why does it not do it all the time.I just did a oil change two weeks ago and put rotella in,and this thing was ticking so bad for the last two week.so i dropped that oil out and put in Delo 400 ,and that ticking is 90% gone.so it does have something to do with oil,so i will be using Delo 400 from now on.

I had rotella t syn 5W40 in for the winter, and changed out to delo400. No noise at all for the first 850 miles, then one day, during idle, the same tick, tick, tick, nothing, tick, tick, tick, tick, and so on. It is not a constant tick, because it sometimes misses, but then comes right back. I also observed this since my truck was new. It comes and goes when it pleases. It is unnerving, but I don't feel that it will hurt anything. My UOA's are normal.

My '02 ticked. I bought when it was 10 mos old and w/30K miles and it ticked till 93K, when I traded it in. The DMax tech at the local stealer told me 5 years ago it was nothing to worry about. It never go worse.
Haven't noticed it yet in my '08 and I changed to Rotella T 15w40 at 1000 miles. 2600 on her now.

Its nothing to worry about,I have serviced lots of dmaxes since new(going back to the lb7 in 01's) some have 250k plus on them and they still sound the same since i pdi'ed them new...

Mine had it appear right after an oil change too. Only 10,000 miles on it. Must have not noticed it the first two times, but the dealer showed me the typewriter bulletin, so I guess it's fine til' she blows...THEN I WILL KILL HIM:snipersmi

OMG!!! This is the same issue I have been seeing on the F*** PSD forums!!! The explanation from the manufacturer even sounds the same!!! CHECK IT OUT at the Ford (oopps) forums! I am not kidding... or am I hallucinating!!!???:eek::eek::eek:

Whew! Glad to find this thread. Changed mine yesterday for the first time at 1600 miles and heard this click and was thinking WTH?

Also Rottella 15w-40 for the record.

Switched to Amsoil last night, thought I screwed up real good when I heard it warming up today. Mine only does it below temps of ~190, then it goes away. Thanks for the info, I feel better now.

I changed mine to Mobile Delvac 1 ESP a couple of weeks ago. I actually think my engine is quieter now!