Ticking, Clicking Noise on Chevrolet Avalanche (Common AFM/DOD Lifter Issue on the GM 5.3 Engines)

[@scottguenthner4106]

Dude rebuilds the top end in less time than it takes me to fill the washer fluid. 👍

[@TurnThemWheels]

Hell yeah he’s fast

[@erictech201]

These are easy to do. Because he doesn’t have to deal with any timing. Now if it had timing in the way ohhhh boy that would of been a different story.

[@zacki5663]

sometimes i see stuff like this and i cry because its so beautiful humans can do this and share so humbly to the world

[@brianalexandre1125]

Attitude is everything... you're a talented, fine human being who sets a good example for others. It's far-reaching and makes a bigger difference than you may think. I rarely ever comment so hopefully this one serves as a gauge/meter for the positive impact you have on others. ⭐⭐⭐

[@bastianmotors]

I’m from California and man watching everything you do I wished more mechanics like you🙌🏾 bless you for all experience you have and all hard work you put in and every vehicles

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@tonyfelder3195]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor where are you located bro? Are you in Georgia by any chance!? If not then do you know a mechanic or a shop that you can refer me to? I have a small ticking noise coming from my 2007 Chevrolet avalanche

[@matthewz1912]

I’m glade they make dod deletes. I hate active fuel management it’s useless in my opinion.. but good video man..

[@adaywitjay1]

Finally a KZbin mechanic that isn’t a goofy or… Nevermind a truly good dude glad I came across this channel! Definitely gets a Sub from me!!! Keep the content coming Boss!!!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for the sub! I got you on the content 🫡

[@TurnThemWheels]

I agree straight to the point

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

That was the best non tutorial tutorial I've seen in awhile always great to watch you work bro

[@brianjohns8903]

I have a Silverado same engine, same ticking. I took it the dealership, they kept it 2 days and told me it was a collapsed lifter. I was informed it would be a VERY expensive job. They didn't know I had a extended warranty. I told them it should be covered, an hour later they said they "called" the warranty company and a lifter making noise isn't covered, but a completely failed lifter is. therefor I would need to drive until it disables me. BUT they also said they moved somethings around and the tick is gone, and it could come back. It's been 2k miles no tick. Do you have any idea of what they could have "moved around". Or were they trying to rip me off when they thought I was paying cash. Love your videos, Great to see a honest mechanic

[@guadalupejalomo319]

After this Thanksgiving holiday, I will also be doing my 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, 1500 with a 53 lifters and I’ll head gaskets intake valve cover gaskets And also change out my knock sensors with the new harness. I appreciate this video now I’m looking forward to what I’ll be doing. Made it look so easy. Partial blind right eye decent but I love doing mechanic work so I keep going. Keep on Truckin. Thank you and your wife for all yawls videos helpful ❤🙏🙏😇

[@freddcast3465]

That year doesn't have AFM sistem, they start come up 2008

[@fidelcordova9374]

Great job on the top end build .you are the car doctor

[@ShamyYah]

Wow I wish I lived near you I got an 06 Avalanche just started tapping 02/2024… You are very informative, talented, and patient. If anyone has an inkling of mechanical background they can learn a lot from you.. Great job 👏🏽 I got to subscribe. Where are you located? Many take advantage of us women. 😢

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I understand. I’m in Morrow, Ga. Thank you for subscribing.

[@tonyfelder3195]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor what’s the name of your shop brother!?

[@Buuboi214]

This mechanic moves hella quick he must know this engine like the back of his hand.

[@AllenManor]

Look how fast you can replace the alternator, amazing. After working on Toyotas and Hondas it seems unbelievable.

[@simeydavila688]

Alex thank you for what you do and for showing us how is properly done, wishing you the best much love and respect sir.

[@DAPHNE1776]

Thank you for this, I have to do this to my '13 and im a nurse. When I opened the hood, I started to cry.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Dang sorry to hear that smh what do drive

[@DAPHNE1776]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor 2015 Chevy Avalanche Black Diamond LTZ. The rockers are still functioning just fine but there's a tick on the passenger manifold and your video taught me what to pull out and then I can just watch in reverse to put it back together.

[@DAPHNE1776]

2013, NOT 15... My bad.

[@DAPHNE1776]

​@@AlexTheCarDoctor the amount of times I have watched this video!!! 😂

[@NFLHASADIVAPROBLEM]

I'm in the same boat with my 2011. It's ticking it's not horrible and actually goes away within a few mins after the truck has started. I'm looking into a DOD delete but need to know more about it like how much mpg you lose from the delete

[@mvc2177]

Wow looks like a common issue on these trucks. Was thinking of purchasing but now I’ll stay away. Love the video nonetheless

[@kennyphelps1160]

Yeah, avalanches are very good. Used truck exactly the same thing as a Cadillac Escalade EXT all they did was re-badge the avalanche even if you have to make this repair it’s worth it. They are put on a suburban chassis very stable. Very good very versatile.

[@4rmthebay]

I hear the best way to keep this from happening is to have a AFM disabler. These common problems are due to the engine switching back and forth from V8 to V4 to save gas and eventually the lifters collapse. With the disabler it will keep the motor running on all 8 cylinders.

[@oldsharkbythesea3962]

Great video. I could feel the pain in your ribs when you jumped up to pull off the driverside cylinder head. 😂

[@M.D.Jones87]

Great job bro A lot of times I let the air out of the front tires for the vehicle to be lower

[@jumolbureanu2415]

Tuners HATE him for this trick

[@wally7856]

Great tip!

[@antoniusmas2043]

Great video Alex, always so helpful......appreciate your dedication, homie you sound EXACTLY like 360Jezzy ....... I MEAN EXACTLY🤯🤯

[@scottbonkowske6412]

Replace the oil pick up tube o ring. I have fixed 4 1999 to 07 trucks. O ring gets hard and starts sucking air. No more noise in any of them

[@karlharris7602]

Great work 👏 👍 👌 💪 and you're also a great guy. God bless 🙏

[@Alex-sd6mc]

Genuine question... I'm getting that exact noise, but it will happen; randomly, and then stop after a minute or two. And by "intermittent", i mean it'll happen every couple of days. Could that mean a lifter is "going bad" or occasionally getting stuck? Replacing them honestly doesnt look that hard and I'm confident that i could do it...just a lot of steps. Incredibly detailed video by the way! I downloaded it so i have it as a reference for any future upper end problems. Thank you!

[@user-vs9ew7gq7w]

So when did Michael Keegan-key start rebuilding engines 😮 love it 😂

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

😂😂👀

[@oralwayne7273]

U ROCK DUDE, I APPRECIATE YOU

[@TurnThemWheels]

I have this P219A code on my 2013 Chevy Silverado and I have already changed spark plugs, spark plug wires, all eight fuel injectors, both upstream oxygen sensors, purge valve, cleaned mass air flow sensor, changed air filter, changed dirty air pcv hose, cleaned throttle body and performed idle reset using scan tool.

[@CrazedPerformanceRepair]

My lifter release trick likely would have fixed that without pulling the heads. BTW unless you disable the system or fix the lack of oil pressure during activation that caused that failure, replacing the lifters will only cause the failure to return again at a later point.

[@duke792]

Okay? What’s your trick?

[@drock00013]

What trick?

[@philg5477]

Ordered your Lifter Release Kit with VLOM Plug yesterday 👏🏻

[@enricoderojassarson5596]

This guy is good, I will tow my vehicle to Georgia just to get him to rebuild my Silverado 1500 motor when it hits 160,000 miles

[@kevinfoster1262]

You are really a great mechanic wow I respect you alot

[@davemarriott9332]

I’d say it’s number four cylinder ticket as usual. I put a high-pressure oil pump and made sure that the O-ring on the oil pump was new and I’ve never had that tick ever again.

[@EdwardStewart-i2r]

This guy is very good 👍

[@HinckleyHomestead]

What brand of cordless ratchet is it that you used in this video?

[@buckshot4428]

I bought a new 15 Silverado base with the v-6. I have been told that the lifters don't usually give problems. I put a plug in "delete" AFM I think. When I first got the truck I could tell when it deactivated 2 cylinders and just sped up some to keep all 6 firing.

[@melvinjohnson2074]

Luv these pushrod V8's! GM had to ruin the 5.3 and 6.2 by adding AFM/DFM.

[@k420diddy]

Hi, great work. I have a question. is this part of the diagnostic included in the 180$ or is there a diagnostic test that leads to the full tear down to figure out it is the lifters?

[@cenewton3221]

I'm here in December 2023, really enjoyed watching the process, well done. I'd love to know what a repair like this costs.

[@louisdel30]

Lol me too

[@johnglos1038]

How much does the cost. My 2009 Avalanche 5.3 just started making that noise. Ugh.

[@Denverscorpio]

I'll guarantee 💯 % the way you went about taking the head bolts out, the heads are warped! All cylinder head bolts should be loosened little by little in a Chris cross pattern.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

This video is super old… customer is still happy. That truck purs like kitten. Have done a few oil changes now. Heads are perfectly fine. I use the same procedure time and time again in my 16+ years of experience , NEVER had a problem. Sounds like text book vs real world experience to me… could be wrong tho 👨🏽‍🔧

[@Denverscorpio]

@Alex, The Car Doctor I was always told when doing head bolts, outside in when taking off then inside to outside when putting it back on. But hey 👋🏻 if it's been working for you? Hell yeah 😎 if it's not broke don't fix it right. It was a great video I did learn something and the best part, no timing 🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@Denverscorpio Absolutely my brother! If I do ever have a problem, I’ll come back on here and correct myself but I really never have an issue. Thanks for watching!

[@kpjr85]

I said the same thing!!!! He definitely DID NOT DO THE REMOVAL OF THE HEAD BOLTS RIGHT "AT ALL"!!!!! Will not last maybe 30,000 miles if that!!!!

[@arnoldocerrato1843]

alex , every time you remove the heads on a 5.3 engine , do you replace the head bolts or do you reuse the head bolts upon installation

[@robertsolberg7666]

Supposed to use new ones because they stretch

[@haroldmyers4064]

Hey Alex. What is the name of your shop. I have a 2011 Silverado 5.3 with only 81k miles. Just started a tapping noise from the area of cylinder 6. Need to talk with someone.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Alex the car doctor google that and my information will pop up

[@mikelouis9389]

I get this, occasionally, on my newly acquired 2003 Z66 Avalanche. It quiets down after it warms up. Bad lifter or a clogged oil feed? Fresh oil change and the old oil looked pretty good.

[@yalikejazz7136]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 what a great job.

[@michaelearl1276]

Serious skills right there !

[@timothysimpson912]

That’s a lot of work for a leaking exhaust - lol (that’s what mine sounded like and exhaust gasket on passenger side was the fix.

[@jonathonwilliams2806]

I have a 2009 tahoe with the AFM. What kit was that you ordered?

[@kodiak7274]

Whats the book time on that job? Or whatd that cost the customer to get that done. I think i may need this done.

[@angeleyes112707]

I have a 2016 Chevy equinox and it’s doing a clicking noise and gets louder when I hit the gas and goin up an incline what can that be ?

[@kennyphelps1160]

Are you keeping up with your oil changes?

[@jasonowen3263]

I had the same thing going on with my 2015 Silverado there was actually two things causing the ticking I found one of the problems when I lost my brakes at low rpm which was the vacuum assist pump located on bottom of engine on driver side I replaced it & the tic was barely noticeable so decided to remove passenger side valve cover then started the engine & seen the problem immediately cylinder 4 or 6 I forgot exactly which rocker arm wasn’t moving which means lifter had collapsed I continued to drive until valve went through the piston then did complete rebuild with regular hydraulic roller lifters & cam then deleted DOD from ecm hope this helps you or somebody else PS it ain’t cheap even if you diy

[@MitchGaar]

Hold power tool still and you have way more torque! You let it wander all around while loosening head bolts! My 1/2 Dewalt would have removed those easy! Right tool really helps! My 3/8 Mid Torque has 650 lbs breaking torque!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Sean.L722]

What does a lifter replacement job cost.. My 09 Yukon is due..

[@telesasmith4573]

It is such a pleasure watching you do your mechanical craft..reminds me of the gear heads friends that use to be here..RIP true guys. Thanks so much for you and your honesty

[@jeffvernon9469]

Does it shake pretty bad while in idle? Very important to note.

[@davidjensen5505]

I have an 03 that is having an issue with 02 censors reading bad. I have replaced them both 3 times, replaced both catalytic converters, and mass air flow censor. It still shows bad 02, bank 1 censor 1. What else can I do

[@billy33365]

Love his videos

[@terrybenton4137]

Where you located… I have a 2010 avalanche that needs to be looked at if possible I’m in Brunswick ga if possible let me know how to contact as this is my daily driver and need to keep it running thanks in advance

[@vthegreatvthegreat7709]

How much does this repair topically run. I need mine done but my qoute i felts was crazy high.

[@ronantezana6092]

Well done.. i got same ticking noise. Mechanic just removed head and found no issue but charged me $350. He offered to replace my engine for $8k. More over he reconnected one of the cylinders incorrectly causing engine shake when i started car 😒. Hard to find honest talented mechanics. If i keep running car with this issue will this hurt engine in long run?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Sorry to hear that brother, yes driving with engine issues will hurt the engine

[@terrellscaife2411]

It’s looking like I’m going to be doing this job on a 6 L but I’m pulling a cam too are those hair bolt reusable?

[@Jon-dz2cl]

Whats a ballpark figure on this exact job, With new lifters ?

[@zodiackeeler9169]

Was it firing codes saying low oil pressure, I have same model and I believe it's a collapsed lifter code reader says number 6 is misfiring

[@Frankie431]

I have a 2007. It doesn’t knock at idle, but only does it really bad while accelerating (3k rpm) Its on cylinder 1, took the valve cover off and ran it. At idle it runs completely fine, everything moves like it’s supposed to. Once you give it gas barley any oil comes out on cylinder one and it seems like something gets stuck closed and that’s where the knocking comes from.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Can you send me a video of the noise on Instagram

[@mikestalk1998]

My 2011 Tahoe always has issues AFTER the oil change. I've replaced the lifters once and seemingly i gotta do it again after an oil change

[@petemeinke7188]

Chevrolet should be ashamed of themselves,making you tear half of the engine apart to replace a lifter.

[@NFLHASADIVAPROBLEM]

Do you have a video of a DOD delete? How much mpg do you lose from doing a DOD delete? I have a 2011 avalanche and i love it but this DOD problem is a joke

[@garycampbell6031]

I don't do much highway driving so I didn't even notice any mpg change.

[@jl456]

Just turn them off with a tuner or range plug in module.

[@noahadim]

May I recommend getting a skycreeper? Makes those tall jobs alot easier imho 🙂

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

It’s on my list! I need to replace my engine hoist too 😩

[@JohnMolina-f4h]

Do the lifters on these truck have to be GM parts? If not, what’s the second best?

[@elighaterrell1595]

I think I have a big vacuum leak on mines but i cant find it. I have a 07 model

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

The best way to find vacuum leaks is a smoke machine but it’s not worth buying one if you don’t use it on the regular take it to a shop and make sure they have one

[@elighaterrell1595]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor thanks alot Doc... lol.

[@miguelmoreno8718]

Keep up the good work

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks, will do!

[@Cherokee-sz7xi]

I had a misfire on number 6, no slop in rocker arm. Turned out be intake lifter had separated into two pieces.

[@luisirigoyen1347]

That’s a great video thanks I Learned a lot how much will that job cost you can let me know you really have it doing the great job on mechanical

[@henryfurneaux77]

Hi, were there any other reported symptoms? Check engine light - with service traction/stablitack turning on occasionally? Or bad misfires making the car jolt? Trying to figure out if this is the problem I am having. Thanks

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Just the bad misfires causing the car to jump is related to this issue. The service traction light points to a different issue.

[@gh33sus]

did you ever figure out the issue my 07 is doing the exact same thing

[@jl456]

​@@gh33susthere junk delete it!

[@thebillygreen]

@@gh33susmy 07 is doing it now. Did you repair yours?

[@gh33sus]

@@thebillygreen Yeah, I left it sitting after I did an oil change, Changed the lifter. still had a slight tick but didnt miss. took it on the turnpike after a good ol battery reset and ran her till she sounded golden

[@bernardopadilla1842]

I just put all new lifters on an 08 avalanche, as soon as I was done, it ran for about 10 minutes nice and smooth, then I had 2 collapsed lifters again, cyl 1 and 7 intake side, please help me. 😢

[@kennyphelps1160]

Check to make sure that oil pressure is good

[@tonyfelder3195]

@@kennyphelps1160how do you check oil pressure

[@curtisjohnson1547]

Where are you located?

[@javierochoa432]

My 07 Chevy suburban is doing the same thing idk what to do

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Sorry to hear that you will need to get it diagnose to see what is damaged

[@TurnThemWheels]

Have you ever saw a P219A on GM trucks?

[@TurnThemWheels]

Mine doesn’t shake that bad, however it does have a slight tick and I have tried 5QTS Full synthetic Valvoline and 1QT Marvel Mystery oil / Rislone engine treatment. The tick is less but doesn’t go away

[@kennyphelps1160]

Use slick 50

[@TurnThemWheels]

@@kennyphelps1160 oh okay

[@tonyfelder3195]

@@kennyphelps1160what’s slick 50

[@robjovel5298]

I did an afm delete and a week later it started making the lifter noise again. It only sounds at start up, but once the car warms up, it doesn’t make the noise anymore for the rest of the day🤔

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Seems like it’s having oiling issue… could be an oil drain back valve problem

[@cynthiabrown7259]

I love watching u

[@terradan2013]

Just wondering. How much should a job like this cost? A local shop here in Houston is trying to charge me $7500 to fix the lifter and if needed, another $3000 for the camshaft.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Nah that’s too high bro. For that price you can get a whole new engine. It’s around $6k for cam and lifters. But I am in GA. I don’t know if that makes a difference.

[@terradan2013]

​@@AlexTheCarDoctor That's the same thing I said! The lady who called to quote me didn't even want to say to it because she was thinking the same thing. Thanks for ur reply. I'll do some more shopping around.

[@SpankyCool-ib3pc]

Only one true fix for the 5.3. Crane engine part's. Expensive, but Fixed Nitro Joe.

[@KentKnuckle]

How long does this take

[@abualimixyoutubevideos3465]

If I take off all what you took off I won’t be able to put it together 🤣🤣🤣

[@legitgaming1669]

How much you charge for a job like this?

[@johngoetz9534]

I’ve owned an 08 for 6 years now and I would say.. add oil!! And if it’s misfiring.. change your coil packs , plugs and wires. Problem solved

[@thenewagekid]

Awesome video. Thank you for the not tutorial.

[@bastianmotors]

Very common I recently replaced thermostat and two rods but now I have smoke coming out my exhaust like a lot of it idk if it because I drive in the heat everything it’s update change coolant and oil but exhaust still smoking so I have it sitting right now 😢 it’s 07 Chevy Tahoe 4wheel drive 5.3 stock

[@richfran11]

Alex where where are you located?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there my shop is located at 1850 Joy Lake road 30260

[@everlopez9684]

This video is awesome 💯

[@FreddytheGamma]

Does anyone know of you do a DOD delete in California (USA) would it effect emissions to the point that you could not pass smog?

[@MARCHOFTHESAS]

Does dod delete prevent using flex fuel ?

[@jerrygalvan1874]

I bought the by pass thing and I still pump the flex

[@kevinfoster1262]

I use to live in Gainesville ga and taccoa wish I was there

[@kennyphelps1160]

Im in martin and toccoa

[@boonwannaklong3482]

Were r u located at ,I'm bring u my 5.3,doin same thang

[@devoncravanas5621]

i need you to do mine 07 Tahoe just started two days ago can you help me ?

[@georgeburch1479]

My question is are there two different liffters for engine cause kit off parts geek sent all same

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

It depends on what year make and model the truck, but if it has the DOD system it’s two different lifters

[@didimo33]

Love this video 👍👍

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@StunZ501st]

Anyone have issue where it doesn’t show there is something wrong on dash and the knock was mid then loud now it’s really low knock could the lifter be trash or just stuck

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there if you can send me a video on Instagram of the noise I can point you in the right direction

[@mafiagt6777]

mine the ticking comes and goes , really weird not sure what it is honestly anyone knows?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I have seen that before, try a engine oil flush

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

With a good cleaning solution

[@jerrygalvan1874]

Can we do anything to prevent collapse lifter. Like oil changes more often or anything

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I think changing the oil at 3000 intervals will definitely help prevent this

[@jerrygalvan1874]

Probably the worse thing to say to a customer 😆.... because of your business.. but fully appreciate for the tip

[@MariuszChr]

@@jerrygalvan1874 look up Nissan / GTR lead mechanic on YT. He is saying changing oil is the most important thing for any engine. Do even 2k intervals if you care. Even the cheapest is better than nothing, even if you skip changing filter every second time.

[@jerrygalvan1874]

@MariuszChr oh I never skip my oil changes in any of my cars. But I did used to wait until the car will tell me that it need it a change. And every 6 months on my garage truck.

[@HPX584]

how much would this cost

[@jbizzletx3420]

AHHHH Just waiting for my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3 lifter to go out!!! I take SUPREME GOOD CARE OF MY TRUCK!! Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening?? GM IS B/S FOR THIS!! Going Japanese NEXT TIME!!!

[@drakem67]

Hi, I have a 2008 Chevy avalanche pretty sure at this point it’s a dead lifter unfortunately. I’ve replaced all the part I can think of. I have codes p0307 (cylinder 7 misfire) and code p0172 (fuel bank 1 too rich). Only has a misfire at idle seems to run “okay” at highway speeds. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanks!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Try pulling off your valve cover and inspect the rockers for movement on cylinder number 7 which is on the driver side in the very back

[@drakem67]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor I’ve pulled the valve cover at this point and it all seems to be running “normal”. Ran and cleared codes and moved around coil packs plugs and wires again just to be sure, ran codes again and still getting cylinder 7 misfire. I’m kind of at a loss, I can’t hear any vacuum leaks and mechanically everything checks out.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@drakem67 have you tried switching fuel injectors

[@drakem67]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor yes, I actually bought a new one for that cylinder as well

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@drakem67 a bad upstream oxygen sensor will cause that problem also.

[@foolazz84]

How much does a job like this cost