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2008 Lifter problem- What happens if keep driving it? (long distances)

y2kvette

Full Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2009
Messages
68
I think I have the problem. Noisy at idle even when warm. With high rpms in neutral, noise diminshes...I suspect because of higher oil pressure.
Will the engine blow-up if I keep driving it? Forgot to mention, just turned 70,000 miles.
 
What is your hot oil idle oil pressure?
 
From what I have heard, that appears to be normal for the 2008 engines.

That is a little low for the first gen trucks, however.
 
On a 10 year old truck you could have a bad O-ring on the oil pickup tube. It appears to be a common problem where you see lifter noise. Sometimes before you actually see the pressure drop on the gauge.
 
y2kvette said:
But...will the engine grenade if I keep driving it?

If the noise is actually from a failing lifter, one can assume that bad things will happen if the engine is continued to be used.

Since the 2008 is an AFM engine and there have been numerous reports on the Internet of owners of AFM engines that developed lifter noises that resulted in varying degrees of engine failure.

If it were me, I would stop driving the truck until it was at least inspected by a reputable service shop.

I would want to know I took appropriate measures to mitigate any worst damage than what has already occurred.
 
<<If the noise is actually from a failing lifter, one can assume that bad things will happen if the engine is continued to be used.

Since the 2008 is an AFM engine and there have been numerous reports on the Internet of owners of AFM engines that developed lifter noises that resulted in varying degrees of engine failure.

If it were me, I would stop driving the truck until it was at least inspected by a reputable service shop.

I would want to know I took appropriate measures to mitigate any worst damage than what has already occurred.>>



That is what I'm thinking. Any thoughts on how to get a good price at the Dealership?
 
I wonder if it is possible to get a probe camera under the manifold and verify the lifters at the cam while running.  That would prove bad lifters!
 
y2kvette said:
I wonder if it is possible to get a probe camera under the manifold and verify the lifters at the cam while running.  That would prove bad lifters!

I can not see a way this would be possible.

But, I could be wrong.

I saw a Youtube video where the mechanic pulled off the valve cover and was able to clearly see a loose rocker arm that was connected to a stuck lifter.
 
EXT4ME said:
I can not see a way this would be possible.

But, I could be wrong.

I saw a Youtube video where the mechanic pulled off the valve cover and was able to clearly see a loose rocker arm that was connected to a stuck lifter.

Was that video of this engine, ie. the 4-8?
Can I find the video?
 
y2kvette said:
Was that video of this engine, ie. the 4-8?
Can I find the video?

These videos are all over Youtube.

I did not have any particular one of these videos bookmarked, but a quick search on Youtube came up with the one I have linked for you here.

There is a lot of good information in this one video.

Some of the information may or may not apply to your exact situation.

If you have any questions concerning what is covered in this video, you would be better off trying to connect with the maker of the video.
 
EXT4ME said:
These videos are all over Youtube.

I did not have any particular one of these videos bookmarked, but a quick search on Youtube came up with the one I have linked for you here.

There is a lot of good information in this one video.

Some of the information may or may not apply to your exact situation.

If you have any questions concerning what is covered in this video, you would be better off trying to connect with the maker of the video.

Very good video...
Thanks, Steve
 
y2kvette said:
Very good video...
Thanks, Steve

I like that guy's videos.

If I ever run into a Steve, I'll pass along your thanks.

I hope this helps with your issues.

(y)
 
And I thought I was a cheap azz, but it does work as far as I can tell.  :laugh:
 
This morning when temp outside was 45 degrees there was no ticking.  I think that the oil was thicker due to the temp so probably pumped up the failing lifter.
So the question is has anyone used 10-30 oil instead of the recommended 5-30 oil?
I did buy the 4 cyl eliminator plug in and intend to use it from now on.
 
Well, it happened.  Engine started missing and lifter noise.  It is at the dealer now waiting for the BAD news.
 
y2kvette said:
Well, it happened.  Engine started missing and lifter noise.  It is at the dealer now waiting for the BAD news.
Good luck man. I fear the eventual tick myself....
 
:kidding:
I fear metal chips in the engine with broken lifter/wiped cam. With only 70K miles and desire to keep this AV till I die, I've decided to replace the engine (new long block ordered)
The long block is coming from Detroit and has a 3 year 100K mile warranty.  This is cheaper than losing about $12K if I junk it. I really like the vehicle and it is in excellent shape otherwise.
I will use the DOD eliminator plug all times in the future so never in 4 cyl mode again. :mad: :D (y)
 
I may be in the same boat soon for different reasons.

Please keep us advised on the sourcing for your engine and the costs to get everything done.

I really hate to lose my truck, as well.

But, I am afraid I may be forced to weigh the costs of my different options soon and I don't like the way things are headed.

Best of luck with your repair.
 
The #6 cylinder was bad lifter.  Cam and Cam bearings bad,  Had new engine (GM rebuilt long block) installed at GM dealer.  Needed new water pump, cam sensor and of course oil and coolant.
Total including tax was $8100 and has 3yr 100,000 mile warranty.  Beats taking it in the shorts for an otherwise perfect vehicle with only 70K miles, all new brakes, belts. pulleys and tires
>3/4 tread.  I have always intended to keep this truck until I die and as such have kept it in great condition with light use. I love this truck!
 
Thanks for the reply on costs.

That is in the ballpark of what I am thinking.

I like the idea of a GM long block with a warranty, for sure.

If I could get close to another 200K miles with a replacement engine, I think I would have just about as much as I could imagine getting.

It took 16 years to get the 236K my truck has now.

I want to keep driving it for a while yet, but another 16 years seems a touch long, even for me.

And, of course there will be other repairs along the way.
 
Bonzohansen said:
You just convinced me to get that nonsense out this year, before anything goes wrong.

If you're just looking at avoiding lifter failure and associated damage, you can just have the lifters replaced.  Dealer will charge about $4K to do that job.  The lifters are in the head so heads have to be removed to replace.
 
y2kvette said:
If you're just looking at avoiding lifter failure and associated damage, you can just have the lifters replaced.  Dealer will charge about $4K to do that job.  The lifters are in the head so heads have to be removed to replace.
$4k?  nah, i'll do it myself.  Get rid of it, get a new cam add a little power for towing.  Maybe get the heads cleaned up while they are off.  Good times.
 
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