I have a 2000 Chevy Express 1500 cargo van with a 5.0L gasser with about 150K miles. When I start the motor when the block is cold and its around or below freezing outside I get a tick (which I believe is a valve?) until its warmed up. I put in 5W-30 rather than the 10W-40 I had but it still ticks. Can/should I try 0W-20 for the winter or what might I do to keep the motor from blowin on me? Im dont have a clue when it comes to this issue as what to do.
Thanks

that tick is just alittle piston slap and nothing to really concern yourself with

that tick is just alittle piston slap and nothing to really concern yourself with

Piston slap is a prevalant problem in teh newer LS series engines, the older style engines don't normally get piston slap unless they are REALLY high milage(300K+). Most likely it is lifters as I have had to do a few sets on the 96-00 style old school VORTECS over the years. Normally though I find that a slightly restricted oil pump pick-up is the actual cause of the problem.

Piston slap is a prevalant problem in teh newer LS series engines, the older style engines don't normally get piston slap unless they are REALLY high milage(300K+). Most likely it is lifters as I have had to do a few sets on the 96-00 style old school VORTECS over the years. Normally though I find that a slightly restricted oil pump pick-up is the actual cause of the problem.


What might I do about the restricted oil pick-up?
Thanks for the brains

What might I do about the restricted oil pick-up?
Thanks for the brains


Drop the pan and see if the pick-up screen is restricted or not. If it is I reccomend replacing the pump and pick-up.