View Full Version : TICKING,but not a metallic motor ticking.
bedford2009
Jan 21, 2010, 07:49 PM
So I'm sitting in my truck waiting on my girlfriend to get out of the gas station the truck running, and I heard this weird ticking noise. When she came out she also noticed a first time ticking noise. I take it home pop the hood and I cannot pin point where its coming from. First sounded like the left front of the motor then right front, finally I've just decided its coming from the front. I am by no means a mechanic and never claim to be, but sounds like to me something to do with the serpentine belt system. It does get louder the faster the motor revs, but at the same time its not insyc with the sound of the motor, which lead me to believe belt. It also does it well at idle.
Specs:
2003 GMC serria z-71
5.3 vortec
100,000 miles
This is also the first problem I've had with the truck bought it about 5 months ago with 92,000. Any suggestions welcome and appreciated.
CaptainRich
Jan 21, 2010, 09:33 PM
It could be an unusual sound from the belt. With that many miles, I'd also replace the tensioner, unless you can make certain that the old one is fully functional. Even that could be synched to engine speed.
A mechanic's stethoscope could be handy here. They're relatively inexpensive. Shop around and if you find one you can use, try listening to different components on the engine until you pin-point exactly where the sound is coming from.
bedford2009
Jan 22, 2010, 07:46 AM
Is the tensioner the same as the idler pulley?
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 22, 2010, 07:54 AM
Tensioner is the spring mechanism, on which is mounted the idler pulley.
CaptainRich
Jan 22, 2010, 03:53 PM
"It's not insync"... You may have a cracked or worn cooling fan.
If any of the blades are cracked or severely chipped, or if the fan clutch has failed and binding intermittently, you can get noises at unusual engine speeds.
CaptainRich
Jan 22, 2010, 03:56 PM
Here's the belt routing diagram for a truck similar to yours. I posted this because it shows you some of the names and locations of the various components that make up a typical serpentine belt system.
28465
bedford2009
Jan 24, 2010, 06:07 PM
SO... the noise will go away and stay away then everynow and then come back. Sometimes at starts some time just after running a bit and then it may go away then just come back. So does that mean it is more than likely the belt after I get an opinion from one of you I will more likely go and buy a belt I've read up on how to change one and seems fairly simple.
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 24, 2010, 06:22 PM
Noises can be extremely difficult to isolate, even for pros, especially since sound and vibration can often be transmitted through the block.
It's important to establish a "benchline" of what you know is good. Now, you know the tensioner and pulley are good. Next, I would replace the serpentine belt. After that, focus on the air conditioner compressor (clutch pulley bearing) and water pump.
grenonfleetser
Jan 27, 2010, 09:38 AM
First of all STOP and think what is an easy test? How about when the ticking occurs stop the engine, remove the belt (OOOO where is this going), start the engine! Is the ticking gone? No, then take the truck to a shop for repairs. Yes, then take the truck to a shop for repairs!
grenonfleetser
Jan 27, 2010, 09:48 AM
Or get back to me with the results, and just for in case... Check your oil level and while your in there check all the fluids just be sure to follow all safety rules for car repairs. (Get a book and follow the guidelines, hey everyone makes mastikes!)