1999 Chevy Suburban Intermittent valve rattling

Tiny
NETSTARRIDER
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,600 MILES
I have an intermittent valve rattle in my Suburban. It usually will only present it's self when the motor started and has been cold for several hours. Most of the time, it rattles for up to one minute, usually less. Oil is up to spec, changes every 3k with new filter. It may go weeks with no trouble, then will rattle every day for a week then quit. Gas milage has not changed, spark plugs show clean burn, good plug wires, distibutor cap and rotor in good condition. This has been intermittent over the last two years.
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Thursday, October 14th, 2010 AT 9:50 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Start by measuring oil pressure with mechanical gauge.

What weight oil do you use?

It is especially important to see what OP is at startup.

Make sure oil filter has anti-drainback valve.
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Friday, October 15th, 2010 AT 7:32 AM
Tiny
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OIl weight is 10W-30. Electronic gauge reads 50 lbs at startup. Is the only place to attach a mechanical gauge at the same place as the sensor for the electronic? Have been using the same service place for 16 years and have faith that they are using the right filter.
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Friday, October 15th, 2010 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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Yes just remove oil sender and screw in mechanical sender.

If mechanical pressure is good, then possible adjustment issue with lifter or bad lifter.
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Saturday, October 16th, 2010 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
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I installed a mechanical oil pressure gage. Oil presssure on startup is 45 lbs cold. With the engine properly warmed up and driven 15 miles, oil pressure is at 14 at idle.
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Friday, October 22nd, 2010 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
It is possible you have a loose oil pump pickup or bad pump.

Change oil and look for metal particles in oil, using a magnet.

If present, then main, cam bearings, clogged oil galley.

If no metal is present, I would remove oil pan and inspect pump and pickup.

https://www.2carpros.com/forum/1999-chevy-suburban-intermittent-valve-rattling-vt515693.html
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Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 AT 8:21 AM
Tiny
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  • 4 POSTS
Changed oil pump, added new oil (back to 5w-30), and new oil filter with anti-drain back valve. Oil pressure has increased across the range 15 psi and rattling has gone away. Thanks
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Sunday, November 14th, 2010 AT 4:44 PM

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